Earth Day, marked globally on 22 April, is a day for individuals and communities to come together in support of environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is no celebrated by over a billion people across more than 190 countries each year. The theme for 2025, “Our Power, Our Planet”, focuses speeding up the transition to clean, renewable energy and calls for the global community to triple clean electricity generation by 2030. You can learn more about this year’s theme and Earth Day’s global mission at https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2025. Have a look at their Earth Hub page to learn more about how individuals can make a difference https://www.earthday.org/earth-hub/ .

There are many ways to get involved locally and nationally. Earth Day encourages individuals to take the Earth Day Pledge, organise clean-up events, educate others, or donate to trusted environmental campaigns. In the West Midlands, the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is hosting a special Earth Day event on 22 April 2025. Families can enjoy “Out of the Deep Blue,” an outdoor performance in the Science Garden featuring Eko, a 13-foot Sea Giant puppet that interacts with audiences to raise awareness about climate change and marine conservation. Performances are scheduled at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Entry is included with museum admission. Full details can be found at https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/events/earth-day.

Making a difference doesn’t always require big changes or large investments—small, everyday actions at home add up. Try switching off appliances at the plug when not in use, air-drying clothes, or using natural light during the day. Try meat-free meals once or twice a week, reuse containers instead of buying new ones, and start a small windowsill herb garden. Sharing, repairing and repurposing items instead of discarding them can also reduce waste. Even simply educating friends and family about sustainable choices can have a ripple effect. Every action, however small, contributes to a healthier planet.