In 1969, Earth Day started in the U.S. but has since grown into a global movement meant to bring environmental awareness, education and action to help protect our planet, with 192 countries celebrating the day annually. Through the many campaigns, laws and acts of activism Earth Day has sparked, people from all around the world have been brought together to combat environmental issues.

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our power, our planet”, highlighting the importance of renewable energy and working towards the goal of tripling clean energy globally by 2030. It emphasizes the need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources as a way to improve living standards and help protect our planet.

One way to increase renewable energy use is switching to a green energy provider that uses electricity generated from wind or solar energy sources. This method does not require consumers to install any new equipment. Installing home solar panels is also an effective way to switch to a green energy source while significantly lowering electricity bills and your carbon footprint. 

Research done by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that homeowners with rooftop solar installations on average save $1,987 on annual energy bills. Additionally, a typical residential solar panel system can cut by up to 80% of carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels, which avoids about 1.5 to 2 tons of carbon emissions annually for an average home. 

If you want to help the environment, it is as simple as making smart energy decisions and educating family or friends on how to make good decisions for our planet. You can also go to Earth Day’s website to check if any events are happening near you. Going outside and appreciating nature through a walk, hike, biking or kayaking is also an important way to celebrate Earth Day.

This Earth Day serves as the next step towards a more sustainable, equitable world by representing a deeper commitment to our planet.