You can still digitally connect with nature on 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
The first Earth Day celebration was held on April 22, 1970 in the United States, because it fell between spring break and final exams, allowing a maximum number of college students to attend live events and gatherings.
Fifty years later, it is celebrated in more than 193 countries, making it the world's largest civic event. The theme for the 50th anniversary this Wednesday is climate action. It's an enormous challenge — but also means incredible opportunity for action on climate change.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Earth Day celebrations will be dramatically different this year, which some are calling the first Digital Earth Day. It's no less meaningful as people can observe the day by taking advantage of many online options or activities at home that are relevant for people of all ages.
"Even though we are all required to physically distance from neighbors, family, and friends, we can continue to connect with the outside world. Our hope is that this Earth Day, families and individuals can find new ways to digitally reconnect with nature together," says Amanda Foster, TD Bank's Environment Program Manager, Social Impact.
Here at TD, we encourage everyone to celebrate Earth Day. The Bank believe the values of Earth Day are important to all of us, 365 days a year. That's why we're working to integrate environmental responsibility throughout our business.
A Vibrant Planet is one of the four focus areas of the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank's program that targets $750 million (US) by 2030 towards community giving in four areas that support change, nurture progress and contribute to making the world a better, more inclusive place.
We're leading efforts to:
- Enhance and activate green spaces to build stronger communities
- Target $71 Billion (US) by 2030 to support the low carbon economy
"TD is committed to creating a Vibrant Planet for all to enjoy," says Sara Healey, TD's Environment Program Manager, Social Impact.
Learn more about how TD is helping to shape a more sustainable tomorrow.
Celebrate Earth Day online
Here are two sites you can visit on April 22.
- It's been a long build-up as the National Aeronautics and Space Agency, better known as NASA, began its celebration on March 3, with a 50-Day Countdown on NASA's Earth Day website. This site has activities for children and the entire family.
- The Earth Day Network features a list of digital events from around the world that you can view. The Network is encouraging people to participate in local digital activities so that you can make a difference.
Now, more than ever, people are hungry for connection to the outside world, while staying safe amid the pandemic.
You can celebrate Earth Day by taking in the beauty of nature at the following sites, which have livestreams of our planet running 24 hours/ 7 days a week.
- Watch inspiring 360° short videos
- Catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights
- Anacapa Island Kelp Forest
- Vancouver Aquarium
- See who's at an African watering hole
- See the animals at the San Diego Zoo
At-home activities
The Trustees, a Massachusetts conservation and preservation organization and one of TD's partners in the Community Grown program, offers the Seed, Sow & Grow program which features a variety of activities for adults and children.
The Community Grown program is delivered through a unique partnership between TD Bank, The Trustees, and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, and helps expand the reach of community gardens in neighborhoods across Boston through community programming and art installations.