Every year, citizens of our beautiful planet unite in their respective countries to celebrate Earth Day. This global gig commemorates (and continues!) a monumental feat in environmental awareness and advocacy.

Countless Earth Day activities will be in motion on April 22nd. And since peer pressure is very real, we’ve got to ask — how will you be jumping in on the planet’s biggest party?

Here are some Earth Day ideas to get you started, ranging from academic to adventurous, so that you can pick your perfect way to honor the health and happiness of our home.

Get in on Adventurous Earth Day Activities!

Sometimes the best Earth Day celebrations are those that involve an appreciation for the great outdoors. Which then leads to a personal awareness of or concern for environmental issues. Virgin Experience Gifts offers remarkable experiences to help get that ball rolling. Check ‘em out!

Here are 16 unique Earth Day activities that will get you exploring and experiencing the vast glory of the great outdoors in entirely natural ways*, in the name of keeping Mother Earth sparkling.

 

Whitewater rafting – Let rambunctious rivers carry you downstream and over rapids for the ultimate adrenaline rush!

Rock climbing – No views on April 22 will beat those that come from the top of a cliff — especially alongside the satisfaction of conquering the face of a magnificent stone beast!

Cave spelunking – Explore incredible underground formations and see what’s happening beneath the Earth’s surface!

Hiking – Let unparalleled Earth Day activities take you off the everyday-grid. Trek through National Forests and parks, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of stunning fauna and flora.

Horseback riding – Embark on a whimsical wander through the wilderness on a trustworthy steed.

Kayaking and canoeing – Enjoy the serenity that comes with the quiet lapping of paddle-to-water as you venture along new territory, among breathtaking scenery.

Ziplining – Escape the hustle and bustle of the city; instead, indulge in the exhilaration of swinging among treetops and over valleys.

Bike tours – Pedal at the perfect pace, enjoying the sensational feeling of fresh air on your face as you explore urban nooks and crannies that aren’t accessible by car.

Backpacking – Savor the simplicity of the great outdoors. Hike into beautiful, out-of-the-way places, traveling light and carrying absolutely all that you need right on your back.

Running (for beer!) – For Earth Day ideas that get your heart pumping, let your legs take you on a brewery tour, traversing city streets by foot with fellow pint-loving enthusiasts.

Bungee jumping – After a gorgeous 5-mile hike through the Angeles National Forest, take a joyful jump off of California’s renowned Bridge to Nowhere — amid the spectacular surroundings of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Mountain biking – For action-packed sightseeing, hop on a ride that’s ready for rugged terrain! Let your adrenaline run wild among some of nature’s finest landscapes.

Beekeeping – For truly unique Earth Day activities for adults, this is a must-do! Get an up-close and personal look at the secret life of bees, watching them hard at work to get that honey going.

Scuba diving – Take the ultimate plunge into the H2O habitat. Soak up the peaceful, mysterious and intriguing world that exists beneath the waves.

Carriage rides – The perfect alternative to being on the actual horse is being elegantly pulled by it, as you peruse beautiful scenery.

Vineyard tours – Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of sipping and strolling through the serene ambiance of a remotely-located winery. Take in the picturesque countryside, fresh air, and calming sounds of surrounding wildlife.

*By “entirely natural,” we mean that these Earth Day activities are enjoyed with no gas, engines, exhaust, smoke, or other forms of pollution or power included.

Brush up on Earth Day History & Its Influences!

    • 1960s: This marked a decade of increasing awareness among Americans, regarding pollution and environmental issues.
    • 1962: Gaylord Nelson is elected as a U.S. Senator; educating the federal government that the Earth is at risk and needs to be treated in healthier manners is at the top of his to-do list.
    • 1969: Nelson pitches his idea of initiating Earth Day at a conference, inviting the entire United States to join the initiative. Americans respond with incredible enthusiasm!
    • 1970: Earth Day is first officially celebrated on April 22nd.
    • 1970: Earth Day activities include rare political collaboration among both Democrats and Republicans alike (woohoo!), and involve nationwide rallies and clean-up efforts.
    • 1970s: Some of the 70’s most recognized pollution culprits include (but are not limited to): factory air waste, chemical pollution and toxic dumping, raw sewage disposal, gas-guzzling cars, oil spills, and a general indifference about littering and wildlife preservation/extinction.
    • 1971: Thanks to the previous year’s Earth Day efforts, a poll shows a whopping 2,500% increase (since the previous year) in the public recognizing environmental protection as a prioritized goal.
    • 1971: The organization known as Greenpeace (environmental activists) is founded.
    • 1972: Congress passes the Clean Water Act, legally limiting the amount of pollution added to streams, lakes and rivers.
    • 1973: Congress seems to be on a roll! The Endangered Species Act is passed, thereby protecting animals and their ecosystems.
    • 1980: Nelson becomes a counselor for an environmental group known as The Wilderness Society.
    • 1990: April 22nd environmental efforts go global! Over 200 million people in 140+ different countries participate in Earth Day activities.
    • 1990: This year marks the push in recycling enterprises at the global level.
    • 1992: United Nations Earth Summit's agenda addresses principle issues of the environment and sustainable development, due largely to past Earth Day influences and educational pieces.
    • 1995: President Bill Clinton awards Nelson with the “Presidential Medal of Freedom” for founding Earth Day.
    • 2000: 184 countries collaborate in focusing their Earth Day initiatives on clean energy.
    • Present Time: Earth Day is recognized as the “largest secular civic event in the world,” according to the Earth Day Network (the nonprofit gurus who lead the way in coordinating Earth Day ideas and outreach).

 

More Fun Things to Do on Earth Day!

    • Attend a workshop or class that promotes Earth Day ideas and environmental advocacy.
    • Binge-watch episodes of National Geographic, NOVA, or Disney’s Earth. (Yes, we realize the TV needs power, so we’ll chalk this one up as an educational necessity.)
    • Join clean-up efforts in a park or along a public highway.
    • Spend time outside, totally unplugged — no phone, no music, nothing. Immerse yourself in nature’s incredible sights and sounds for a few hours.
    • Write a letter to local legislators if your area is lacking in recycling or ‘going green’ opportunities.
    • Volunteer to lead Earth Day activities at a local school to teach the community’s youngest citizens about topics like the three Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle).
    • Give your green thumb a workout — either in your own yard or by donating time or resources to a community garden.

 




Sources that provided this wealth of world-lovin' knowledge:

Homepage

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/earth-day
http://www.infoplease.com/science/environment/earth-day.html
https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-earth-day