The first Earth Day occurred April 22, 1970. Since then, Earth Day has evolved to be the largest civic event on the planet, mobilizing over 1 billion people annually. Learn more about Earth Day and how to get involved with EarthDay.org here.
55 Years of Earth Day
This Earth Day marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. 192 countries and over one billion people across the globe participate in this event. This Earth Day focuses on renewable energy; commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthier, more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all.
Types of Renewable Energy
This year’s Earth Day is focusing on alternatives to fossil fuel. Renewable energy is an energy source that is replenished naturally and sustainably. The top five alternative energies are as follows:
- Solar power harnesses the sun’s light and heat to generate electricity or heat water.
- Wind power uses wind turbines to convert kinetic energy into electricity.
- Hydropower, also referred to as hydro-electric, utilizes the force of moving water to generate electricity.
- Geothermal extracts heat from the Earth’s interior for heating and generating electricity.
- Biomass uses organic matter, such as wood, crops or waste, to generate energy.
Renewable Energy Facts from Around the World
The U.S. has used its existing drilling capacity to become the world’s leading producer of advanced geothermal energy.
Uruguay has transformed its energy sector, moving from being dependent on oil imports to generating 98% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Kenya is leader in Africa, with geothermal power accounting for nearly half of its electricity generation.
A third of all homes in Australia use solar power.
In Brazil hydro-electric power accounted for nearly 68% of its total electricity generation in 2023. In Italy hydro-electric accounts for 23% of the total electricity generation and is growing, and in the Netherlands, it accounts for 16%.
In Denmark, over 50% of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines and by 2026, wind energy will power 30% of the electricity needs of Spain, 17% of the electricity needs of the Netherlands and 23% of the electricity needs of Germany.
Events Around the World
Earth Day is observed by over a billion people annually. Below are some examples of how people are getting involved around the world, get inspired and find a way to interact in-person or virtually this Earth Day.
- Our Planet, Our Power | Cork | Ireland
- A special screening of “Mrs. Robinson” will set the stage for a panel discussion. This interactive session with explore how we can better connect, amplify and mobilize around the climate emergency.
- Digital Detox | Paris | France
- Digital files have cut down on paper waste but storing digital files consumes shocking amounts of energy and water. Take 40 minutes to collectively go through our files and apps and delete old and unused ones.
- Spring Beach Clean Up | Quarteiria | Portugal
- A public beach clean up.
- Calabar Zero Plastic Plogging | Calabar | Nigeria
- This educational project and clean up event brings awareness to the dangers of plastic waste in urban sanitation, marine habitats and public health along the Calabar community and Cross River State.
- Plogging is picking up trash while jogging.
- Earth Day Celebration | West Bengal | India
- A day long celebration with science lectures for student awareness, sit and draw events, an open house quiz and sapling distribution for secondary school students.
- Pedal & Planet | Auckland | New Zealand
- A mix of sustainability-focused activities at Mt. Roskill Library that include a bike fixing station, e-bike trails, conservation talk and seed sowing.
- Forest Bird Hike | Hawaii | USA
- Join a park biologist for a free guided walk in Hosmer Grove to discover Maui’s honeycreepers. Connect with nature and be a part of the mission to save the forest birds.
- Seniors For Climate | Calgary | Canada
- A seniors expo that includes a showing of “Later is Too Late” followed by discussions.
- Hombre Plastico | Chubut | Argentina
- A 30-second audiovisual demonstration that addresses plastic pollution in the oceans and its silent but devasting impact. The work transforms the façade of a building into a dreamlike scenario where the urban and the marine merge. This visual proposes a poetic but urgent look at our relationship with consumption and the environment.
What alternative energy sources are available in your region of the world?
Alternative energy is good for people and good for the planet, but not all energy sources are available in all regions. Solar power is a great solution in Florida, California and Australia but people in the UK would struggle to see the same advantages. Hydropower thrives in climates with abundant rivers but would be less likely in a dry desert environment. Understanding which alternative energy solutions are a good fit saves time and money.
To effectively select an alternative energy source, start by assessing your needs, location and the cost of different options. Also consider the environmental impact and the systems’ longevity. Additionally, research available incentives and understand how each system works, its potential energy output, installation and maintenance requirements.
High Point International Furniture Market
Sustainable Tips for Shopping High Point Market
April 26-30 | High Point, NC
High Point, the North American home of furnishings, style spotters, education sessions, tours and more. While at High Point explore more sustainable options.
- Materiality – look for fast-growing natural, recycled or recyclable content.
- Finish – select furniture that is in its natural beauty or coated with non-toxic finishes.
- Origin – source furnishings as local as possible, this will cut down on shipping pollutants, buying local is best.
- Aesthetic – select timeless pieces that will become heirlooms and outlive trends.
Learn more about the High Point market here.
Showrooms to Visit at HPMT
April 26-30 | High Point, NC
Be a conscious consumer this High Point Market and shop at showrooms which put the planet first. Here are some of WWYW’s favorites.
Cisco Home
1014 Mill Ave.
Cisco Home has been a haven for handcrafted furniture for 35 years. Driven by a passion for sophisticated design, thoughtful sustainability and community building, Cisco Home works to create one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly pieces that transform houses into homes.
Learn more here.
Currey & Company
IHFC | M110 | Floor 1
Currey & Company creates handcrafted pieces from natural materials that reflect their commitment to meaningful design. Their pieces are highly inspired by the natural world and routinely feature biophilic design elements.
Learn more here.
Greenington
220 Elm | 410 | Level 4
Greenington is a US-based company specializing in high-quality bamboo furniture. They embrace zero-waste, strict international standards and ensure eco-friendly excellence at every step of the process.
Learn more here.
Jaipur Living
Commerce & Design | 4B, 4N, 4P | Floor 4
A global rug and textile furnishings company, Jaipur Living partners with talented designers and artisans around the world to create memories from the ground up. At the heat of this brand is a deep respect for people and the planet. Jaipur Living crafts timeless pieces through ethical practices and sourcing.
Learn more here.
Jeffan
IHFC | D536 | Design Center | Level 5
Jeffan showcases intricate craftsmanship through unique and sustainable products. They specialize in blending organic elements with sophisticated designs using materials such as recycled teak and FSC-certified rattan.
Learn more here.
Verellen
515 S. Hamilton St.
Belgian conception, American perfection. Verellen is an eco-friendly manufacturer, sourcing the most sustainable materials – reclaimed metal coils, sustainably harvested lumber, hand-spun natural fibers and recycled packing materials. Make an appointment today to visit their beautiful showroom and made-to-order pieces.
Learn more here.
2025 Impact Forum: Take Action, Collaborate, Drive Change
April 29 | 1 PM – 2:30 PM ET
Join the Sustainable Furnishings Council for their annual American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) Impact Forum This free event is a 90-minute session that will go over ways to help amplify your voice, deepen your impact and future-proof your business. Learn more here.
Circularity
April 29 – May 1 | Denver, CO
Join Cradle-to-Cradle at Circularity 2025 for thought-provoking sessions and peer networking. Gain insights into shifting your actions to promote a more circular economy. Learn more here.
2025 GWI Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium
June 17 | New York City, NY
The fourth annual Global Wellness Institute Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium gathers top business leaders in the wellness real estate sector to explore opportunities in what is till the fastest-growing sector of the now $6.3T wellness industry. Join to be the first to learn the latest research, make connections with insiders in this sector and learn from the thought leaders shaping the future of wellness real estate and communities. Learn more here.
2025 NAHB Association Management Conference
August 19-21 | Atlanta, GA
The NAHB Association Management Conference (AMC) is the premier professionals development conference for HBA Executive Officers (Eos)/CEOs and staff. At AMC, Eos and HBA staff gather to learn, create a community of HBA peers to consult with and share ideas and walk away with actionable steps to create a stronger and more profitable association. Learn more here.
Every day is Earth Day – our planet and our health depend on everyday actions. Avoid single-use plastic, compost food waste and incorporate other Earth-friendly routines to help make your home and the planet a healthier place every day.
