What is Earth Day and why should we care?

Well, for one, Earth Day is today and it is held annually to honor environmental awareness and protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and has expanded globally with the help of the Earth Day Network. Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.

"Our planet is at a turning point. The massive global migration underway now from countryside to cities will demand huge investments in energy, water, materials, waste, food distribution, and transportation over the next 25 years. If the right investments are made now, this unique opportunity will be the catalyst for dramatic changes in the built environment and the fight against carbon emissions and climate change," says the Earth Day website. 

In addition to celebrating once a year, the Earth Day Network is responsible for creating, implementing, and expanding a wide variety of earth friendly projects and campaigns including the Canopy Project, Protect the Asian Elephant, Green Schools Campaign, Earth Day India, the Green Cities Campaign, and the Women and the Green Economy Campaign.

To learn more about Earth Day Network's impactful programs, click here.

Though Earth Day's programs are celebrated and practiced by many communities worldwide, individuals can also take part in the day by making a pledge.

Earth Day Network encourages its participants to take action by involving themselves in Earth Day's "A Billion Acts of Green" campaign.

By joining  "A Billion Acts of Green," members pledge to take part in at least one (or all) out of three forms of action to protect the Earth. The options include eating less meat, supporting environmental education, and reducing energy consumption.

So far the Earth Day Network claims that they've gotten over one billion people to take the pledge. Their final goal is to reach two billion.

Now, that's impressive.

How will you participate in Earth Day? Be active and make your pledge here today.