This year, April 22, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The first official Earth Day was held in 1970, when 22 million Americans engaged in rallies, marches, and educational programs to advocate for clean air, land, and water. Since then, Earth Day has grown to become a global celebration raising awareness of environmental issues and encouraging positive change to address climate concerns. Learn more about the history of Earth Day by visiting our blog!
This Earth Day comes during unusual times. COVID-19 is a crisis felt around the globe. Despite the challenges we are facing, there is always hope of a brighter tomorrow. This year, we are finding ways to celebrate Earth Day virtually to help bring people together in celebration of the resiliency of our Earth and to help promote positive environmental actions even in times of crisis. One way to celebrate is through The Earth Day Network, which is hosting 24 Hours of Action to help people engage in Earth Day online, filling the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins, and more.
We’ve also partnered with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Mass Audubon Connecticut River Sanctuaries, and Berkshire Zero Waste Initiative to bring you some exciting family friendly activities you can do while social distancing to engage the whole family in having a positive impact this Earth Day! While we may be unable to come together in person, the goal of Earth Day remains the same: to unite the world in making meaningful change to protect our environment.
Energy Investigators Scavenger Hunt
An interactive energy efficiency scavenger huntopens PDF file best suited for middle school students, but modifiable for all ages. Look around your house to find places where you could be more energy efficient!
Energy Investigators Play Pictionary
A fun instructional worksheetopens PDF file for playing Pictionary. The worksheet includes energy terms and vocabulary for extra learning opportunities.
Please enjoy the following activities from our partners:
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment
Salamander Super Hero
Be a Salamander Superhero with these 24 activities that will challenge you to take sustainable initiatives. Make it a challenge and try to complete one activity per day for 24 days!
Take It Outdoors Bingo Challenge
Get the whole family outside to remember why we celebrate Earth Day in the first place. Spring is a great time to get some fresh air and maybe even get a little muddy! Take It Outdoors Bingoopens PDF file is an excellent way to sharpen your naturalist observation skills and get familiar with the nature in your own backyard.
Mass Audubon, Connecticut River Sanctuaries
Climate Challenge
Climate Solutions are all around us. How climate friendly is your neighborhood? Use this cardopens PDF file to find all the ways your neighbors are taking action and get inspired!
Water, Water, Everywhere
With everyone staying at home around the clock these days, saving water is even more important. Check out this worksheetopens PDF file for fun water conservation tips and experiments!
Berkshire Zero Waste Initiative
Litter Pick Up
Now more than ever, we are creating a sense of local community, so get outside and clean it upopens PDF file !
Waste Audit Worksheet
You can discover a lot of interesting aspects of your life by going through your trash, including ways to lessen it! Check out this worksheetopens PDF file to do your own at home trash audit.
Use these resources to make an impact on your environment this Earth Day. A big thank you to our partners: Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Mass Audubon, and Berkshire Zero Waste Initiative. As always, keep unplugging, keep going outside, and keep reducing, reusing and recycling! From all of us at CET to you, Happy Earth Day!
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