Yesterday, April 22, 2020, marked the 50th anniversary of the creation of Earth Day. This is a cherished day in Santa Cruz, a day that encourages us to celebrate and protect what we love: our environment. The lush redwood covering of our state parks, the miles of surf breaking at La Selva and Manresa and Sunset State Beaches, the calming fresh breeze along our coastal bluffs. 

But what happens when we are unable to gather in support of our planet? Beach cleanups are cancelled. Rallies, conferences, and marches are banned. Traditional family hikes, surf sessions, sunset beach gatherings, tree-planting parties, community gardening, and care-taking along the San Lorenzo River with the Coastal Watershed Council are all off-limits as we shelter in our homes to protect one another from COVID-19.

Last week, we were even temporarily separated (for the greater good) from our beloved beaches and parks. Locals mourned the loss of their daily beach walks and surfs—sometimes the only part of the day when everything feels, finally, all right.

So, what happens to Earth Day celebrations? We adapt according to our times. We pivot. We rally our fear, stress, isolation, and frustration into protecting what matters most: this home planet. The only one we have.

Earth Day Network, the main organizing body of national and global Earth Day efforts, and is providing innumerable resources, activities, and shareable tools on EarthDay.org.

They introduced this year’s happenings:

“The urgency has never been greater, and the stakes have never been higher – we are now in an environmental emergency and a climate breakdown. We have two crises: One is the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The other is a slowly building disaster for our climate.

To meet this moment, we must build the largest, most diverse online mobilization in history in defense of the environment. Our world needs a united response for bold action.

• On Earth Day 2020, we say enough is enough.

• We say we believe in science. We say that everyone can make a difference.

• We say that the protection of our planet and the wellbeing of the people who live upon it are the top priorities.

• On Earth Day 2020, we say that we’re committing to vote, we’re registering to vote and we’re showing up to vote. 

• Human health and planetary health are inextricably linked.”

On EarthDay.org you can:

• Find a local Earth Day digital “event” 

• Download and share and awesome amount of social media tools

• Explore teach-in toolkits for all ages

• Pledge 24 hours of climate action

• Join EarthChallenge, the largest-ever citizen science effort

And so much more—seriously, it’s a treasure trove!

Earth Day Live: A Three-Day Movement

Across the country, Earth Day organizers had intended a three-day strike beginning on April 22. But due to COVID-19, they had to change course quickly. The result is Earth Day Live: a huge online collaborative rally for the planet. It began yesterday and continues through tomorrow.

Earth Day Live (it’s happening as you read this!) includes live-streamed talks and performances with educators, entertainers, and leaders like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Barbara Boxer, Black Lives Matters Co-founder Patrisse Cullors, and famed chef Dominique Crenn. Plus performances by artists including QuestLove, Jack Johnson, Ani DiFranco, and Dave Matthews.

Even more digital Earth Day celebrations and tools

• Download amazing 50th Anniversary art from EarthDay.org

• The American Museum of Natural History hosted EarthFest online: you can still watch the recorded videos, download activities (plenty for kids), and take an online course from the Museum.

• EarthX Conferences all month, and further into the future.

• Get Earth Day Lesson Plans from Save Our Shores.

• Use educational kids and family activities from Coastal Watershed Council.

• Learn about safe ways to clean up the beach while distancing from Save Our Shores.

• 50 ways to celebrate Earth Day (every day) from California State Parks Foundation.

• Join the Plastic Pollution Coalition to create Plastic-Free Schools.

• Learn more about a Green New Deal and how to fight for it.

• Check out a ton of cool activities from NASA’s #EarthDayAtHome

Back in 1970, Earth Day began as a radical grass-roots movement: a collaboration of marches, rallies, and teach-ins sparked by ideas from Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, as well as the impact of Rachel Carson’s seminal book, Silent Spring. The first Earth Day was hugely focused on political action. Let’s never forget that change takes determined, consistent action, and fighting for what we love can happen right at home.