Earth Day is an annual holiday that began in 1970, providing opportunities for people to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces. Despite somewhat humble beginnings, Earth Day is now celebrated throughout much of the globe, and it will occur this year on Saturday, April 22. People can observe the holiday in a variety of ways that can be both enjoyable and educational.

In many places, winter weather is a distant memory by late April, making Earth Day a good time to travel by foot or bicycle instead of by car. Not only can these modes of transportation be fun, but they also do not cause the emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that result from traveling by car. A car-free Earth Day can serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.

Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day, many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness of environmental issues. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity is one way to spend Earth Day.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) noted that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet. According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests to sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change. Even if people cannot work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, they may consider planting native trees on their own property.

Today's adults likely will not be the ones who confront the more challenging consequences of climate change. Since that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations, adults are encouraged to involve children in their Earth Day efforts. Adults can explain the significance of these efforts in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could be in their hands.