Every year on April 22, Earth Day celebrates the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. The very first Earth Day—spearheaded by Senator Gaylord Nelson—led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of new environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. 

In 1990, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and bringing environmental issues to the forefront around the world. Today, Earth Day is recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, observed by more than a billion people—in classrooms, businesses, communities, governments across the world—as a day of action to protect our planet.

“A green future is a prosperous future.” ~ EARTHDAY.ORG

This year’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” focuses largely on sustainability and the growing climate crisis. According to EARTHDAY.ORG, “Smart companies are discovering that it is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits — sustainability is the path to prosperity. […] it is imperative that companies of all sizes take action and embrace the benefits of a green economy.” 

When businesses grow, they tend to follow a trajectory when it comes to environmental management and sustainability.

Leaders take the steps required to go beyond compliance and best practices to make commitments that embrace sustainability as a way of doing business—whether through efforts involving GHG reductions, beneficial reuse of products, recycling, sustainable materials management, land revitalization, sustainable food management, and more.

What You Can Do

For businesses, think about how you can transition into an environmental leader. KTL helps organizations every day to analyze processes and identify options for incorporating sustainable practices into daily operations—options that will not only work to protect the environment but also enhance reputation and protect the bottom line.

For individuals, Earthday.org shares 52 actions and tips to make a difference every day of the year.