Earth Day 2023: Invest in Our Planet
The unofficial Earth Day Flag created by John McConnell includes the Blue Marble Earth
Photograph taken by the crew of Apollo 17.
Earth Day is an annual event held throughout the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day was focused on the United States and held on April 22, 1970. In 1990, Denis Hayes, the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international and organized events in 141 nations. Numerous communities engaged in Earth Day Week actions, an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world faces. On Earth Day 2020, over 100 million people around the world observed the 50th anniversary in what is being referred to as the largest online mass mobilization in history. It now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by the non-profit EARTHDAY.ORG and includes over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
Our world needs transformation. It’s time for the people of the world to hold governments and the private sector accountable for their role in our environmental crisis while also calling for bold, creative, and innovative solutions. This will require action at all levels, from business and investment to city and national government. That’s where you come in: as an individual, you wield real power for change through your influence as a consumer, a voter, and a community member. Don’t underestimate your power. When your voice and actions are united with millions of others around the world, we can create an inclusive and impactful movement that is impossible to ignore.
This year, we rally behind the theme “Invest In Our Planet,” which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and our own prosperity. When we Invest In Our Planet together, we are supporting healthy, happy, and wealthy communities worldwide. Visit EARTHDAY.ORG to learn what is happening throughout the world for Earth Day 2023.
Earth Day History in Redding and Northeast California
Earth Day celebrations were held in Caldwell Park next to the Sacramento River for many years in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, hosted by Shasta College and other organizations. In 2006, Redding did not have an Earth Day celebration planned and as a result, the Whole Earth Festival was created to celebrate Earth Day in 2006 spearheaded by the First United Methodist Church. This event was renamed the Whole Earth and Watershed Festival and moved to Redding City Hall in 2007, organized by a small group of dedicated volunteers from (3) local non-profits, a business, Shasta College, and local government. It was held on the 3rd Saturday in April for 14 years. The Festival’s mission was to offer a community-wide celebration of Earth Day and highlight social, economic, and environmental solutions for people and our planet while enhancing the health and livability of the north state region. The Festival grew into a large-scale event that included live music and food along with activities and information that promote healthy living; building healthy communities; and restoring a healthy planet. The most recent event was held on April 20, 2019, as the Redding Whole Earth & Watershed Festival. Due to Covid 19 restrictions and difficulty of organizing such events, no Earth Day celebrations were held in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
2023 Earth Day Festival-Redding
Shasta Environmental Alliance (SEA) will be hosting an Earth Day celebration in Redding’s Caldwell Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are available HERE. A variety of organizations, including local environmental groups, will offer learning experiences for children and adults about the importance of our environment. There will also be multiple organizations hosting hikes, educational events, and other activities during the month of April in conjunction with this Earth Day event. Check out www.seashasta.org for all the details!
Earth Day at the Redding Rancheria
The Redding Rancheria holds an annual Earth Day Celebration at WinRiver Casino on the Friday before Earth Day weekend and includes a wide range of educational booths from non-profits, businesses, and community organizations. For more information email tyler.edwards@reddingrancheria-nsn.gov or call 530 242-4559.
2023 Earth Day Festival-Mt. Shasta
On Saturday April 22, 2023 an Earth Day Festival will be held at the Jefferson Center for the Arts in Mt. Shasta from 11 am-5 pm. Sponsored by the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center. In addition, an Earth Day Benefit Concert is planned at Spring Hill Nursery and Gardens. Check it out here.
Shasta College has continued to hold Earth Day events for local schools at their campus during the week closest to Earth Day.
