Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day and this year's theme is "Invest in our Planet."
The annual event is to show support for environmental concerns worldwide.
The first Earth Day took place in the United States in 1970 – it was proposed by peace activist John McConnell after the 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill, which killed thousands of birds and sea life.
The event has now been global since the late '90s, and is celebrated by millions.
Tips on Earth Day
- Recycle - look at how you separate waste and at what can be reused and recycled around the home, school and work
- Retrofit -investigate if you qualify for Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (ssai.ie) grants to help
- Energy - reduce use of plastic, shower times, and time running water
- Shop local - try and buy food that's grown or sourced locally
- Avoid fast fashion
- Try and use biodegradable products
- Try to walk and cycle where possible.
Clean up day in Waterford
Waterford Chamber is asking all businesses locally to get behind a clean-up for Earth Day today.
The Great Global Clean-up is a worldwide campaign to remove billions of pieces of trash from neighbourhoods, beaches, rivers, lakes, trails, and parks.
Waterford Chamber has registered to take part this year and is asking all businesses to pledge a minimum of 20 minutes to sweep, wash, paint, collect rubbish etc.
Meanwhile, social enterprise GIY, based in Waterford, is looking to locate a farm to expand its food production and educational programmes. More here.
