Celebrate Earth Day: Learn what it is and how to give back around Palm Beach County
Today is Earth Day, a global reminder to give back, clean up, and express gratitude for our planet.
Observed every year on April 22, Earth Day inspires people across the world to take action, whether it's cleaning up coastlines, planting gardens, supporting sustainability efforts, or simply learning more about the environment.
In Palm Beach County, there are plenty of ways to get involved, from community clean-ups to eco-friendly events. Whether you're volunteering your time or making small changes at home, today is the perfect opportunity to help protect and preserve our local environment.
Here's what Earth Day is all about, and how you can celebrate it right here in Palm Beach County.
More: Our family farm, Alderman Organic Farms, supports Earth Day and quality of life | Opinion
By giving back to the planet! Earth Day encourages people to take action through community clean-ups, beach and park beautification, recycling efforts, tree planting, and eco-education. In Palm Beach County, residents are stepping up with events like coastal clean-ups, native gardening workshops, and sustainability fairs. Whether it's picking up litter or planting something green, Earth Day is all about protecting the place we call home.
Earth Day falls on April 22 because it was strategically chosen by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to maximize student involvement. The date falls between spring break and final exams for most colleges, making it the perfect time to mobilize young people. That first Earth Day sparked a national movement — and it's been celebrated every April 22 since.
This year's Earth Day theme is 'Our Power, Our Planet' , a global call to action focused on accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The campaign urges countries to triple renewable energy generation by 2030, spotlighting solutions like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. The message is clear: the future of our planet depends on the power we harness today.
The Earth Day flag features the iconic 'Blue Marble' image of Earth taken by NASA's Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Set against a dark blue background, the flag represents global unity and environmental awareness. Created by peace activist John McConnell, who also proposed the first Earth Day in 1969, the flag reminds us that we all share one planet, and one responsibility to protect it.
People around the world will be giving back to the planet with clean-ups, community gardening, and environmental education, and you can join in right here in Palm Beach County.
From beach clean-ups to family-friendly activities, here are some amazing events you can take part in to help protect our environment and celebrate Earth Day this year.
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to nature! Join the West Palm Beach Coastal Clean-Up on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Downtown Waterfront, 138 South Flagler Drive. Hosted by Visit Palm Beach, this free event welcomes all ages for both on-land and in-water (kayak) cleanups. Kayak spots are limited and require advance registration.
Celebrate Earth Day at Palm Beach Zoo on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and learn how your visit helps save both animals and their habitats. Enjoy curated talks and experiences that highlight conservation efforts and sustainability.
Plus, bring your reusable water bottle to the Zoo and get 10% off your general admission ticket! It's a fun way to support the planet while enjoying a day at the Zoo
Head to the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, April 26, for a free, family-friendly Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration. Tree Planting Ceremony with the Village Council kicks things off at 10 a.m., followed by the Great American Cleanup, Wellington Garden Club Plant Sale (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), and Earth Day activities from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Enjoy a day of eco-friendly fun, hands-on learning, and community spirit. All activities are free to attend.
Celebrate Earth Day with the North Palm Beach Environmental Committee on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bird Village, behind the Village Community Center Park (1200 Prosperity Farms Road).
Bring your painted birdhouse (designed for local birds only!) and enjoy a day of fun, free, family-friendly activities including a tree giveaway from Jane at Indian Trails Nursery, face painting, yard games, dirt cup snacks, and more.
Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Earth Day 2025: Give-back, celebrate, events in Palm Beach County
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