World Environment Day 2008

Hot on the heels of Earth Day, the world will celebrate World Environment day on June 5th.

New Zealand is hosting World Environment Day 2008 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on June 5. The Ministry for the Environment is the lead government agency coordinating the event alongside UNEP.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.

The World Environment Day Alphabet - 80 Ways to Celebrate

World Environment Day can be celebrated in many ways, including street rallies, bicycles parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action.

Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the Earth. Serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management and economic planning. This observance also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.

Until next time...become the change you imagine.

Earth Day 2008

Earth Day is April 22nd and although most people are familiar with the day, they are not familiar with the history behind it.

Gaylord Nelson, the former U.S. senator from Wisconsin, is widely credited for starting Earth Day in 1970. An estimated 20 million people nationwide attended festivities resulting in the largest grassroots environmental movement in U.S. history. It became the impetus for national legislation like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. By 1990, more than 200 million people in 141 countries participated in Earth Day celebrations.

Earth Day is not without historical precedent. Both Arbor Day and Bird Day were established in the late 1800s to support forestation, conservation, and the appreciation of nature. Native American peoples have long recognized and celebrated in story and song the interdependence of the earth and all her creatures.

Envirolink Earth Day Calendar has a list of national and international events for 2008.

The Earth Day Network has event lists, and interactive map of the world, as well as a section for contacting governmental officials on current environmental issues.

Participate in local events if available, or better yet, start one of your own! And remember to live Earth Day every day through conservation, recycling, and restoration.

Click on the photo to the right to

shop for Earth Day tees and gifts.

Until next time....become the change you imagine.