Invest in Our Planet

As 1 billion people around the globe gather to mark Earth Day on April 22, they will be focusing on an increasingly critical goal: the need for everyone—governments, citizens and businesses—to do their part to combat climate change. “Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable,” is the day’s emerging motto.

While Earth Day themes over the past 52 years have often centered on specific issues, such as plastic pollution and deforestation, this year’s broader theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” reflects a growing consensus that, at such a critical point for the Earth’s future, governments will not solve the climate crisis by themselves. “Like the industrial, space and information revolutions, all sectors of society can and must play major roles—this time with the extraordinary responsibilities to get it right,” reads a statement from EarthDay.org. Activism involves not only lowering carbon emissions, but also making sure that the benefits of the coming Green Revolution are spread evenly throughout society, the statement says. “In 2022, we all must enter into one partnership for the planet,” says Earth Day President Kathleen Rogers.

Events, such as rallies and social media campaigns, aim to encourage action and legislation, as well as educate on corporate and personal sustainability. Art shows allow attendees to visualize a better future while data collection for citizen-based science research and workshops find ways to build local green economies. All are appropriate ways to participate this Earth Day, as well as clean-up campaigns and tree plantings. To learn about personal actions, including step-by-step instructions on how to organize an event, visit EarthDay.org.

Help Tampa Bay celebrate victories and support future progress by participating in these local Earth Day 2022 events.

Beach Cleanup- Fri, April 22, 11 a.m., Grab a bag and join Don CeSar staff to clean up the beach. All volunteers get free lunch, including a 3 Daughters brew or seltzer. Registration required. Go to Don CeSar Earth Day Celebration on Eventbrite to register. Free. Don CeSar Hotel, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-1881.

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival - Fri, April 22, 4:00  – 7:00 pm. Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, and the City of Clearwater for an Earth Day cleanup at Clearwater Beach! Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Riverwalk Cleanup- Sat, April 23, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Join our team for a Riverwalk cleanup. We’ll supply everything that you need. Bring your love of our estuary and maybe a few friends! Publix GreenWise Market at Water Street Tampa, 555 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.