Forty-four years ago, one in ten Americans joined together for an event that crystalized a movement, one which now encompasses millions, some say billions, of people across the globe.

Earth Day began with the vision of one Wisconsin Senator who saw the need for people to “gather… together in a massive educational effort to talk about survival and the quality of survival in a world they all share.”

Today, Earth Day has become a powerful symbol of the interconnection between the health of people and the health of our planet.

This year, Green+Leaders will be helping coworkers celebrate Earth Day in a variety of ways; lunch and learn film events, photo contests, nature challenges, Earth Day pledges, and an Earth Day Jeopardy game are just some of the activities that will be underway in workplaces across the Lower Mainland Health Authorities.

Great ideas

But it’s not just Green+Leaders who can get involved. Take any ideas from the following list, or generate your own creative way to celebrate April 22 and help make sure every day is Earth Day.

• Share this 20-minute film at a lunch and learn event; “Strange Things are Happening to Astronauts Returning to Earth features incredible footage from space, along with interviews from astronauts about how their experiences have changed them and their attitudes towards our planet.
• Host an Earth Day potluck, asking people to cook dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.
• Organize an Earth Day walk or bike ride at lunchtime or after work. Sometimes celebrating our planet starts with recognizing the natural beauty around us, that we often take for granted.
• Host an office or department fundraiser and choose an environmental cause or group to receive the funds.
• Initiate a Nature Challenge, encouraging people to set and track personal goals for time spent in nature.
• Encourage an Earth Day pledge. Ask coworkers to pledge to undertake one new earth friendly activity or habit for one week. Record and post/publicize the pledges in a visible location. Check in the following week to see how it went and celebrate with recognition for those who lived up to their commitments.
• Generate your own creative Earth Day celebration at work or at home!

Tell us how it went

Want to let us know how it went? Share your experiences with Green+Leaders Program Coordinator, Olive Dempsey (olive.dempsey@fraserhealth.ca)

Learn more about green opportunities and news at www.bcgreencare.ca