Did you miss the opportunity to show your support for the environment on Earth Day? Do you want to get more involved in promoting a sustainable lifestyle? World Environment Day, celebrated annually to raise awareness around and encourage action to protect the environment, is coming up June 5, 2016. Here’s some more information about the event and how you can participate.
A Brief History of World Environment Day
Founded at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, World Environment Day is run by the United Nations Environment Program. The first organized celebration took place in 1974, and the event has been celebrated every year since. As World Environment Day has grown, a number of the world’s largest countries have begun rotating as hosts. The event is celebrated and supported by upwards of 4,000 local and municipal gatherings and sustainability-minded projects each year. Its aims support broad environmental conservation, but each year a specific theme is selected.
World Environment Day 2016
The theme for World Environment Day 2016 is “Go Wild for Life: Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife Trade.” The event aims to raise awareness of the thriving illegal trade in wildlife products and its adverse effects on earth’s ecosystems and economies. World Environment Day 2016’s host country is Angola, whose economy and elephant population have been affected by the illegal ivory trade.
Celebrate World Environment Day in Your Community
Participating in World Environment Day is as simple as taking the initiative to do a little research and commit to an event. Community celebrations take place throughout the United States, often starting with a street cleanup or tree planting. Search calendars of events held by civic and environmental organizations, and check to see whether your apartment is hosting any kind of event.
Our own AMLI Deerfield is participating in a local event, so Chicagoans here’s something to check out: Between 10 AM and 4 PM on June 4, 2016, the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting film screenings, plant giveaways, demonstrations, and panels exploring the topic of environmental conservation and providing tips for sustainable living. AMLI Deerfield is excited to have a table at the event, themed: “Growing a green community, one seed at a time.” Volunteers will host a children’s art project, distribute AMLI Deerfield temporary tattoos, and give away packets of sunflower seeds for planting at home. The Chicago Botanic Garden is just a ten-minute drive from the Deerfield apartments.
Celebrate World Environment Day Independently
If you don’t find an event that appeals to you, set aside 30 minutes or an hour of the day on June 5 to educate yourself on the subject of environmental conservation or engage in some practice that benefits the environment. Think critically about your energy and water consumption, and resolve to make lifestyle changes that will curb your environmental footprint every day.
At AMLI Residential, we’re committed to providing healthy, happy living spaces for our residents. If you want to support World Environment Day, we hope you find an appealing community event or encourage you to participate on your own. Happy World Environment Day!
How will you show your support for sustainable living this World Environment Day? Let us know in the comments.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst