What is Earth Month?
Every April, millions of people around the world rally together for Earth Month: a time dedicated to raising awareness and taking action for a healthier planet. But what exactly is Earth Month? How did it start, and why is April the month we celebrate it? If you’ve ever typed into Google, ‘What month is Earth Day?’ or ‘Is Earth Day in March or April?’, your search ends here.
From its origins in the environmental movement of the 1970s to the global campaigns we see today, Earth Month has become a driving force for sustainability, activism, and education. Let’s take a closer look at how it all began and how you can get involved in Earth Month 2025.
Is there an Earth Month?
Yes! Earth Month is an extension of Earth Day, which falls on April 22nd each year. While Earth Day itself serves as a powerful reminder to protect our planet, one day simply isn’t enough to tackle the environmental challenges we face. That’s why Earth Month was created, giving people more time to learn, take action, and make lasting changes. This year’s theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet” with the goal to invite everyone to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
During Earth Day Month, schools, businesses, and organizations across the globe host sustainability events, clean-up drives, and climate initiatives. From planting trees to reducing plastic waste, Earth Month encourages individuals and communities to make eco-friendly choices that go beyond a single day.
Each year, the issues surrounding climate change feel more urgent than ever. Over the past 50 years, we’ve witnessed rising sea levels, accelerated ice melting, and a rapid increase in global surface temperatures – the fastest rate observed in any 50-year period over the last 2,000 to 3,000 years.
In fact, 2024 was the first year global mean temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.6°C.
These changes have led to more frequent extreme weather events, such as devastating wildfires and severe storms, affecting communities worldwide. However, by acknowledging these challenges, we can inspire collective action toward sustainable solutions and a healthier planet for future generations.
When is Earth Day & why is April Earth Month?
The popular searches on Google right now are "What Month is Earth Day?", “Why is April Earth Month?”, and "When did Earth Month begin?" So, to clarify: Earth Day takes place on April 22nd, making April officially Earth Month.
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, as a response to growing concerns about pollution, deforestation, and environmental degradation. The movement was spearheaded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who saw the need for greater public awareness and policy change to protect the planet. What started as a single day of activism quickly gained momentum, inspiring millions of people to take action.
Over time, Earth Day expanded into Earth Month as businesses, governments, and communities recognized the need for ongoing environmental efforts. By 1990, Earth Month had gone global, with 200 million people across 141 countries coming together to take part in the month-long movement. Instead of limiting eco-conscious activities to a single day, April became a month-long opportunity to focus on climate solutions, sustainability practices, and conservation efforts worldwide.
When did Earth Month begin?
While Earth Day officially launched in 1970, the concept of Earth Month evolved gradually. In the early years, Earth Day was celebrated with rallies, protests, and grassroots activism, but as the environmental movement gained traction, organizations and educators began extending their efforts throughout the entire month of April.
By the early 2000s, many environmental groups and businesses were using the term "Earth Month" to describe their April-long initiatives. Schools started incorporating eco-friendly lessons, nonprofits planned month-long sustainability campaigns, and brands launched initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint.
Now, Earth Month is recognized around the world as a time to focus on climate action, responsible consumption, and conservation. Earth Month 2025 will be no different from this. With the theme being “Our Power, Our Planet”, expect to see communities, corporations, and individuals coming together to make a real difference.
How to celebrate Earth Month & Earth Day in 2025
Wondering how you can participate in Earth Month 2025? If you’re looking for simple ways to be more sustainable or want to take part in larger community initiatives, there are plenty of ways to get involved!
Here are a few ideas:
1. Join an Earth Day or Earth Month 2025 event
Many organizations host clean-ups, tree-planting drives, and educational workshops throughout April. Check local event listings or visit sites like EarthDay.org to find opportunities near you.
2. Reduce your carbon footprint
Earth Month is a great time to adopt more sustainable habits. Consider:
- Using public transport, biking, or walking instead of driving.
- Reducing energy consumption by switching to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics, and conserving water.
- Choosing plant-based meals a few times a week to lower your carbon footprint.
3. Cut back on plastic waste
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face. Try using reusable shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and compostable alternatives to single-use plastics.
4. Support sustainable brands
Many companies are making strides in sustainability by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and giving back to environmental causes. This Earth Month, consider supporting businesses that prioritize the planet.
5. Educate & advocate
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate Earth Month is by spreading awareness. Share articles, join discussions, and encourage friends and family to take part in sustainability efforts. Even small conversations can spark big changes.
What have others said about Earth Day Month and our planet?
As mentioned, Earth Day is a global event, and climate change impacts each and every one of us. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystem, I’ll leave you with some passionate and inspirational quotes from people who are leading the change.
Here’s what some influential voices have had to say about our planet and Earth Day:
“When enough people come together, then change will come and we can achieve almost anything. So instead of looking for hope — start creating it.”
— Greta Thunberg
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
— Jane Goodall
“All of us need to act today in order to save the planet tomorrow. Action needs to be taken today, today, today.”
— Mia Mottley
“Today is Earth Day. I don't want to end the day without an acknowledgment of the wonder that we actually live here. Okay, there is so much terror seeping around every corner. But there is also beauty, creativity, and life. Look around, we are blessed to be here. Really. Blessed.”
— Danté Stewart
Why is Earth Month important?
Earth Day Month isn’t just about recognizing the importance of environmental action, it’s about taking steps to create a more sustainable future. With climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss posing serious threats, now is the time to make meaningful changes.
Over the years, Earth Day Month has helped push forward major environmental policies, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act in the U.S. Globally, it has inspired countless initiatives, from plastic bans to renewable energy commitments.
As we celebrate Earth Month 2025, we have an opportunity to continue this momentum. Whether you take part in a local clean-up, reduce your personal waste, or advocate for policy changes, every action (big or small) contributes to a healthier planet.
So, ask yourself: What can I do to make a difference? Because when it comes to protecting the planet, every action counts.
