Environmental Awareness Calendar

Pretty much every day of the year is ‘International Day of the Something’ and there are lots of monthly environmental awareness campaigns so I thought I’d put together an environmental awareness calendar so it was easier (for me) to keep track of things like 30 Days Wild and Plastic Free July. I hate forgetting about a campaign I want to be part of!

This calendar is UK based but includes ‘International’ environmental awareness days, weeks and months as well.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of national awareness days. I’ve included environmental and wildlife days, but have excluded human rights days. Not because I don’t believe they’re important but to keep this list as focussed on biodiversity and the natural planet as much as possible. (I’m a big lover of cats and haven’t even included National Hug Your Cat Day!)

All of the below Environmental Awareness Days are either listed on a specific date (where one has already been given by the date this article has most recently been updated – see date at top of article) or at the time of year they are normally held. Occasionally the dates can vary by up to a week or more. Click on the name of the event to be taken to the specific website for that event. The websites linked to should have the most up to date information.

Environmental Awareness Calendar 2024

JANUARY

Veganuary

Each year thousands sign up to take part in Veganuary and commit to only eating plant based food in January. Many permanently go vegan afterwards. Everybody is being advised to eat less meat and dairy for your health and to reduce your carbon footprint, so Veganuary is a great way to explore new meal ideas. Going vegan also helps to protect animals, and who doesn’t want to do that?

Big Schools Birdwatch – 8th January to 19th February

The RSPB organises the big schools birdwatch to help educators ‘turn their pupils into conservationists’. Schools should sign up in good time to receive a pack to help their pupils identify birds and some survey sheets.

Big Garden Birdwatch – 26th to 28th January

Linked with the Big Schools Birdwatch, the Big Garden Birdwatch is asking you to spend an hour noting down every bird that you see in your garden, in a local park or from your balcony. Sign up in December, count the birds for one hour between the 26th and 28th January and then go online to the RSPB website and tell them what you saw.

FEBRUARY

World Wetlands Day – 2nd February

World Wetlands Day occurs on the 2nd February every year. The date marks the anniversary of the signing of The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands which happened on the 2nd February 1971. It’s a day to raise awareness about these rapidly decreasing and essential ecosystems. Wetlands help to clean our water and support a variety of wildlife. They also help to protect against flooding as well as protecting us against climate change due to storing carbon.

International Polar Bear Day – 27th February

Although raising awareness about the effects of climate change on polar bears is a part of International Polar Bear Day, the time of year this international awareness day falls on is the most important factor. It’s at this time of year that polar bear mums are trying to keep their cubs safe in dens under the snow. Polar bear cubs are born blind and are a tiny 1 pound in weight, so they need to stay in their dens until Spring when they are large enough to survive the harsh conditions in the Arctic. This year the focus is on raising money to help protect mums and cubs while in their dens.

MARCH

World Wildlife Day – 3rd March

The 3rd March is the anniversary of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which was signed in 1973. (Yes, over 50 years ago!) It’s a day to celebrate wild animals and plants around the world. There are different events happening in different parts of the world. Keep an eye on the official website to find out what events are occurring near you.

The Great British Spring Clean – 15th to 31st March

Organised by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, The Great British Spring Clean encourages everyone to clean up their community by picking up litter. You could focus on your neighbourhood, or go litter picking in a local park. Use #LitterHeroes and post a picture to social media of you cleaning up to encourage others to do the same.

Global Recycling Day – 18th March

A day to focus on recycling the items you might normally just chuck in the bin. There is an awful lot you can recycle these days, although it can depend on where you live. Personally I believe in buying less, avoiding plastic wherever possible and avoiding products with loads of packaging, but where there is no other option I recycle everything I can.

International Day of Forests – 21st March

Back in 2012 the United Nations General Assembly declared the 21st March International Day of Forests. It’s to celebrate and raise awareness for all types of forests and the benefits they provide. Forests ‘purify the water, clean the air, capture carbon to fight climate change, provide food and life-saving medicines, and improve our well-being’. Why not plant a tree today?

World Water Day – 22nd March

Every year, since 1993, the United Nations raises awareness about the importance of freshwater and the staggering 2.2 billion people worldwide who don’t have access to safe water. The main purpose of World Water Day is supporting the aim to provide everyone with water and sanitation by 2030. This is Sustainable Development Goal 6, one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015. The theme for World Water Day 2024 is ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’.

Earth Hour – late March

Every year in late March, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) encourages everyone around the world to switch off their (non-essential) lights and appliances for just one hour. It’s an easy way to show your support and show you care about the planet. Hopefully it will encourage you to only switch on what you need and reduce your overall energy consumption at other times as well. Not only will this help the planet it’ll save you money! Keep an eye on the link above for the date and hour for 2024. This is one of the easiest events on the Environmental Awareness Calendar to observe. The more people that take part, the more of a difference we can make.

APRIL

Earth Day – 22nd April

Earth Day was first held in 1970 to show support for environmental protection. It came after a massive oil spill in California in 1969. The Earth Day Network works towards changing things for the better when it comes to: Climate Action, Science and Education, People and Communities, Conservation and Restoration and Plastic and Pollution. Earth Day 2024 is committed to reducing plastic and is demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.

International Mother Earth Day – 22nd April

International Mother Earth Day was established in 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly. Falling on the same day as Earth Day it has many of the same aims. “Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet. (…) For this International Mother Earth Day, let’s remind ourselves (…) that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet.”

Stop Food Waste Day – 24th April

Food waste is a huge issue. We throw away a lot of food in our own homes, supermarkets throw surplus food away, and quite a lot of produce is deemed not ‘good enough’ to be sold to consumers. This is changing… slowly. Many UK supermarkets are now selling ‘wonky veg’, vegetables that, in the past, were not aesthetically pleasing enough to sell! Here are some crazy statistics from the Stop Food Waste Day website. 33% of all food produced globally and 45% of root crops, fruit and vegetables produced globally is lost or wasted per year. 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions each year are due to food loss and waste. 25% of the food wasted around the world could feed all of the 795 million undernourished people in the world. The average American family is wasting $1866 (around £1500) a year in food waste.

MAY

No Mow May

For the whole month of May don’t mow your lawn! This is the perfect month for lazy gardeners and those that love wildlife. Let your lawn grow and check out the variety of grasses, flowers and flying insects that will enjoy your garden. What I like to do at the end of May is just mow around the edges of the lawn and a path through the middle. This then shows that the rest of your un-mown lawn is intentional and helps to appease neighbours who think you just don’t care about your garden. Leaving the lawn for longer means bees and other pollinators will still be able to take advantage of your insect friendly garden. Always check for wildlife before mowing, or strimming.

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) – 5th to 11th May

Seriously, get into composting! “The goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organics and using compost to create healthier soil.” The theme for 2024 is based on one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” and to show how composting can help achieve this goal.

Walk to School Week

Walk to School Week is primarily to promote healthy habits in primary school aged children. But one of the major benefits of walking to school is the reduction in air and noise pollution from all those cars taking their children to school. Walk to School Week “is a fun and engaging week-long activity, raising awareness and celebrating walking for all.” The date has not yet been announced for 2024, but is normally held towards the end of May.

World Bee Day – 20th May

I hope that by now everyone is aware of how important bees are and how we need to do much more to protect them. “Bees are some of the most important pollinators, ensuring food and food security, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity, and they significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change and the conservation of the environment. In the long-term, the protection of bees and the beekeeping sector can help reduce poverty and hunger, as well as preserve a healthy environment and biodiversity.”

Water Saving Week

Saving water can make a big difference. With the climate warming, it seems that every year there is a hose pipe ban somewhere in the UK to conserve water supplies. Learn how to save water at home this week, and save yourself some money too, especially if you’re on a water meter. The date for this week-long event on the environmental awareness calendar has not yet been announced for 2024.

World Turtle Day – 23rd May

World Turtle day is sponsored by the non-profit organisation American Tortoise Rescue. “The day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world”

Endangered Species Day – 3rd Friday in May

2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Endangered Species Day aims to educate and mobilise people to learn more about endangered species around the world and how they can protect them.

National Children’s Gardening Week – end of May

Get your children or grandchildren interested in the garden and invested in nature. “Children love growing plants, love being in the garden but they’re often impatient, wanting to see instant results. National Children’s Gardening Week aims to capture children’s enthusiasm at a time when results are immediate.” This is why this environmental awareness week happens during ‘the warm week at the end of May’. National Children’s Gardening Week supports ‘Greenfingers‘, a charity which creates inspiring gardens for children who have to spend time in hospices.

JUNE

30 Days Wild

The whole month of June is ’30 Days Wild’. 30 Days Wild was created by The Wildlife Trusts to help everyone be more connected with nature by doing something ‘wild’ every day. When you sign up you’re sent a digital pack with ideas for you and your family. Their facebook group is fantastic, I highly recommend joining.

Let It Bloom June

Following on from No Mow May, is Let It Bloom June. Allow the flowers to grow in your garden and leave them be for the wildlife, and you, to enjoy.

World Environment Day – 5th June

“The foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, many of the medicines that save our lives and the climate that make our planet inhabitable, all come from nature. We are more reliant on nature’s interconnected web and delicate balance than we can ever imagine.”

World Ocean Day – 8th June

Previously known as World Oceans Day it’s now referred to as World Ocean Day to signify that we are all connected by one ocean; and that we all need to protect it. “World Ocean Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate working in collaboration with a wide range of people. World Ocean Day belongs to all groups and individuals, collectively, everywhere. It’s about how, by working together, we can create a better future with an abundant ocean and a stable climate.”

Great Big Green Week – 8th to 16th June

“The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.” Considering the first Great Big Green week was only held in 2021, they had 250,000 people taking part by the next year!

Bike Week – 10th to 16th June

We need more people to cycle rather than use their cars so I think this is a great event to include on this environmental awareness calendar. Cycling has well known health benefits and numerous environmental benefits by reducing traffic. “Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual celebration to showcase cycling. Thousands of people all over the UK enjoy the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”

Clean Air Day – 15th June

“Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.” How can you get involved? Walk or cycle to work. Even car-sharing or taking a bus or train helps to reduce air pollution if your commute is a bit too far by foot or bike. Alternatively contact your local MP and encourage them to act to reduce air pollution. In 2023 Clear Air Day was held on 15th June, however there is currently no clear date for 2024 on their website as of today (17/11/23).

International Working Animals Day – 15th June

“Working animals – such as horses, donkeys, camels and elephants – are the key workers of the developing world (…) Yet, despite their vital role, this invisible workforce is often completely overlooked. Countless animals lead short, hard lives, working in extreme conditions, with little rest, poor nutrition and no access to veterinary treatment.”

World Refill Day – 16th June

Originally a UK only event, 2020 saw National Refill Day go global. World Refill Day is essentially about reducing the amount of plastic in our lives. Fortunately, many businesses are coming on board with this fairly simple concept and are providing refill stations for all sorts of things. Many health food shops have for years allowed us to use our own containers to only buy as many nuts, lentils, oats etc that we want and need. Some shops now provide refill stations for water and even milk. My local supermarket has a large section for refills, including laundry and bathroom products. On World Refill Day, focus on re-using containers you already have and refill them!

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought – 17th June

“Droughts are among the greatest threats to sustainable development, especially in developing countries, but increasingly so in developed nations too. In fact, forecasts estimate that by 2050 droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population. The number and duration of droughts has increased by 29 percent since 2000, as compared to the two previous decades.”

Plastic Free Beauty Day – 17th June

“The global beauty industry produces over 142 BILLION UNITS of packaging every year. Every piece of plastic ever made still exists. There is no such thing as “good plastic” as reclaimed plastic, recycled plastic, recyclable plastic and every other type of plastic can still end up in the sea or landfill.” The website is still currently promoting Plastic Free Beauty Day 2022 which was held on June 17th. Even if the ‘official’ campaign is no longer running, you can still do your part to purchase only plastic free beauty products.

Sustainable Gastronomy – 18th June

“Sustainability is the idea that something (e.g. agriculture, fishing or even preparation of food) is done in a way that is not wasteful of our natural resources and can be continued into the future without being detrimental to our environment or health. Sustainable gastronomy, therefore, means cuisine that takes into account where the ingredients are from, how the food is grown and how it gets to our markets and eventually to our plates.”

World Rainforest Day – 22nd June

“World Rainforest Day celebrates the importance of healthy, standing rainforests for climate, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods— and convenes a global movement to protect and restore them.” Working alongside a variety of rainforest organisations, indigenous groups, businesses and artists and creatives, World Rainforest Day has one purpose – “to spark action and drive resilient forest protection”.

JULY

Plastic Free July

Try to reduce how much plastic you buy during the month of July. Make a concerted effort to buy loose fruit and vegetables and plastic free versions of things you would normally buy. “Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.”

International Plastic Bag Free Day – 3rd July

“Plastic Bag Free Day is a global initiative that aims to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags in the world.”

“If the world does not stop production altogether, in 30 years’ time the weight of plastic bags thrown into the seas and oceans will exceed that of all creatures living in them.” – Zero Waste Europe

Don’t step on a bee day – 10th July

“Without the tireless work of our native bees in the UK, over a third of everything we eat would disappear from our tables. Bees are so vitally important for the planet’s ecosystem, and yet they are still under threat like never before.” How can you get involved? Obviously, don’t step on a bee! But you can also plant wildflowers, avoid mowing your lawn so often and even learn about all the different bees that can be found in the UK.

Love Parks Week

In association with Keep Britain Tidy is Love Parks Week. It’s an annual campaign to celebrate our local parks and green spaces, and those who take care of them, many of whom are volunteers. Find out what’s happening in your local park. You might take part in a tai chi class, learn how to make a bug hotel or just listen to live music while enjoying a picnic. “These vibrant, living spaces bring communities together and provide an opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of our cities, towns, and neighbourhoods.” If you don’t use your local park, you might lose it! Love Parks Week is yet to announce the date, but it’s normally held at the end of July.

National Marine Week

“National Marine Week is The Wildlife Trusts’ nationwide celebration of all things marine. Despite the name, it lasts 15 fun-filled days to allow for the variation in tide times around the country. During this time, Wildlife Trusts all around the UK put on a jam-packed programme of events and activities… including inland!” National Marine Week is normally held at the end of July and beginning of August.

World Nature Conservation Day – 28th July

“The main purpose of celebrating World Nature Conservation Day is to conserve the animals and trees that are on the verge of going extinct from the natural environment of the Earth.”

Bog Day – 28th July

This is an annual event to celebrate fens, marshes, swamps and bogs – basically all peatlands. Peatlands store more than twice the carbon that forests do, so they are vital ecosystems just for that. They also support many species which rely on waterlogged ground.

International Tiger Day – 29th July

“Tigers are on the brink of extinction and International World Tiger Day aims to bring attention to this fact and try to halt their decline. Many factors have caused their numbers to fall, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting and poaching and Tiger Day aims to protect and expand their habitats and raise awareness of the need for conservation. Many international organizations are involved in the day, including the WWF, the IFAW and the Smithsonian Institute.”

AUGUST

National Allotments Week

In association with The National Allotments Association, National Allotments Week is all about publicising the benefits of having an allotment. Being outdoors and gardening have long been known to be good for your general health and mental well-being. And as far as I’m concerned growing your own food can’t be beaten for a sense of satisfaction! National Allotments Week is usually held early to mid August.

World Elephant Day – 12th August

Elephants are my favourite animal, so this annual international event is not one I could leave off my environmental awareness calendar. This event is all about protecting elephants, and this can be done in a number of ways. Firstly, never buy ivory (or other wildlife products). And it’s ok to visit elephants but make sure you’re an ethical tourist. Don’t support places that use elephants for entertainment rather than education, and don’t ride an elephant! You can also learn how to help protect elephant habitats or support their conservation.

SEPTEMBER

Organic September

Organic September is a month-long campaign designed to encourage more people to try organic food. But why is organic better? Apparently “If the whole of Europe switched to an organic or agroecological food and farming system, we would see a 40% drop in emissions. Half of this drop would result from a cut in the use of fossil fuel-based nitrogen fertiliser.” That statistic is staggering!

Secondhand September

A campaign started by Oxfam, Secondhand September is, as they put it themselves… “a campaign that promotes donating, reusing, rewearing and restyling your clothes during September – and beyond!” Buying secondhand is always a good idea. It’s cheaper and it helps to reduce the amount of ‘new’ products being made if there is less demand for them. It helps to preserve and conserve our natural resources. You can find some amazing things in secondhand shops, just take your time and go on a treasure hunt!

Zero Waste Week – 2nd September

Zero Waste Week always happens from the first Monday of September. Going zero waste completely is extremely difficult, mainly because a huge number of products are just not available without packaging, however, going zero waste for a week is definitely manageable. This event encourages everyone to just think about what they’re buying and to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Fair Trade Fortnight – 9th – 22nd September

“For two weeks each year (…), thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid.” 2024 is the 30th year of Fair Trade Fortnight. Normally this event takes place in February / March, but has moved to September this year so they can celebrate all year long! This is likely to be a permanent move moving forward. The theme for 2024 has not yet been announced.

World Dolphin Day – 12th September

I’ve mentioned turtles, tigers and elephants, so I couldn’t miss out one of my other favourite animals… dolphins. I was lucky enough to swim with wild dolphins around 20 years ago. It was an unforgettable experience. I was fortunate to be on a boat with a very responsible company that gave all the passengers strict instructions about how to interact with these wild animals. If they chose to come near us we knew we were fortunate. If they didn’t then we still could see them swimming nearby which was almost as good.

World Dolphin Day was created to mark the anniversary of a shocking event in the Faroe Islands. Many people were already aware of the annual slaughter of dolphins in the Faroe Islands, but on 12th September 2021 Sea Shepherd captured the slaughter of 1428 Atlantic white-sided dolphins on film. The footage shocked the world, understandably. World Dolphin Day aims to shine a light on this brutal ‘tradition’ as well as highlighting the plight of other dolphins held in captivity or suffocating in abandoned fishing nets.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 16th September

When I was a growing up the hole in the ozone layer was a massive issue that was discussed often. Very quickly the world worked together to ban CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) which were a major factor in creating the hole. CFC’s were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning and aerosol sprays. The date for The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was chosen to commemorate the date the ‘Montreal Protocol’ was signed in 1987.

“The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate objective of their elimination on the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information.”

Great British Beach Clean – 20th to 29th September

The Great British Beach Clean is a week long event in September which sees groups and individuals picking up litter on our coastline. This is such a valuable event. As well as cleaning up, the data collected from a beach clean helps to focus the conservation work that’s needed moving forward. The data has helped to introduce the plastic bag charge and banning microplastics in personal care products. It also improved wet wipe labelling and they support a tax on single use plastics.

World Car Free Day – 22nd September

World Car Free Day encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day. This is another great way to promote clean air and fewer emissions. Some cities and countries around the world organise ‘car free’ events.

World Rivers Day – 22nd September

This is an annual celebration of rivers around the world and is held on the 4th Sunday of September. “World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.”

Seed Gathering Season – 23rd September to 23rd October

The Tree Council encourages everyone to explore their local woods or parks and gather as many seeds as they can. “Seed Gathering Season is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and gather seed from local trees and nurture them to become young saplings, which can be planted locally to benefit future generations.” – Sara Lom, The Tree Council CEO

FSC Forest Week

The FSC are the Forest Stewardship Council UK. FSC Forest Week is an annual event to raise awareness about responsible forest management and to encourage more people to choose FSC certified products more of the time. “FSC-certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards.” FSC Forest Week should be happening at the end of September.

World Clean Up Day

We’ve had The Great British Spring Clean in March and The Great British Beach Clean in September, today the world gets involved. This event encourages everyone to just go out and clean up wherever they prefer. It could be a beach, a waterway, a local park, your neighbourhood… Date for 2024 to be announced.

OCTOBER

Unblocktober

Unblocktober is all about saving our seas by changing our habits. For many years we’ve been putting all sorts of unsuitable liquids in our kitchen sinks. We’ve been flushing undesirable items down the toilet. We’ve been dropping litter in the street. Sadly our drains and sewers have suffered, and when they suffer so do our waterways and oceans. Blocked sewers and drains can cause pollution, flooding, and an increased need for road repairs. If any plastic or cigarette butts end up in a drain, they’ll probably end up in the sea. You can make a difference, just by making small changes.

International Walk to School Month

Encourage people to get out of cars and reduce air pollution by walking to school during the month of October. Not only does this keep your children fitter and healthier, it’s a good way to be more aware of traffic and how to safely cross roads.

World Vegetarian Day – 1st October

World Vegetarian Day is a good time to explore meat free meals. For some ditching dairy is a step too far and veganism doesn’t appeal. I do recommend looking into the dairy and egg industries though.

World Animal Day – 4th October

The mission of World Animal Day is… “To raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe.” The hope of this event is that through awareness and education animals are seen as the sentient beings they are.

No Disposable Cup Day – 4th October

Every single day in the UK we use 7 million disposable cups, many of which are not disposed of responsibly. The aim of No Disposable Cup Day is to just not buy a drink in a disposable cup. Ideally you will realise how easy it is and you’ll stop using them forever! Check out the best reusable coffee cups.

International E-Waste Day – 14th October

What’s e-waste? International E-Waste Day sheds light on ‘invisible’ electronic waste. This refers to those items you probably don’t even realise you can recycle. It includes things like smoke detectors, electronic toys, e-cigarettes and even cables. Even that broken remote control you’ve got in a drawer could be recycled. Click the link above to find out more.

Reptile Awareness Day – 21st October

“Many reptiles are endangered and at risk of going extinct. We need days like this to promote reptiles and make sure that these wonderful animals are around for future generations to enjoy.”

Recycle Week

“Recycle Week is a celebration of recycling, organised by WRAP under the Recycle Now brand. The aim of the week is to encourage the public to recycle more of the right things, more often from all around the home.” No date announced yet for 2024.

NOVEMBER

World Vegan Month

“World Vegan Month is celebrated around the world as a time to recognise how far the vegan movement has come, to highlight how accessible and beneficial a vegan lifestyle is and to encourage the vegan-curious to adopt veganism by sharing advice, recipes and ideas.”

Buy Nothing Day – 24th November

Buy Nothing Day falls on my birthday which I couldn’t be more pleased about. I always ask my family not to buy me anything for my birthday or Christmas. My mantra is basically ‘the most eco-friendly thing you can buy, is nothing’. Buy Nothing Day encourages everyone to think about the excessive consumerism we’ve got used to. This is by far the easiest environmental awareness day to participate in because you literally have to do nothing!

National Tree Week

Earlier today I was talking to my stepdad about updating this article, because, well, it’s taking ages! He was reminded of an environmental campaign which had the slogan ‘Plant a Tree in ’73’. Mainly he remembered this campaign as some jokers the next year were talking about ‘buy a saw in ’74’. Thankfully attitudes towards the environment and conservation have changed and the majority of people are on board to protect the planet. However the point is that I looked up the slogan. To my surprise I found out about National Tree Week, which actually began because of the 1973 campaign. National Tree Week is at the end of November, which is the start of tree planting season.

DECEMBER

World Soil Day– 5th December

“Every 5 seconds, the equivalent of one soccer field of soil is eroded. (…) It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just 2-3cm of soil… Soil erosion can lead up to a 50% loss in crop yields.” World Soil Day aims to increase awareness about how important soil actually is.

International Animal Rights Day – 10th December

“Every year International Animal Rights Day is celebrated on December 10. This observance coincides with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declared in 1948, and this has been made deliberately.” International Animal Rights Day is basically against speciesism. “…speciesism is a form of discrimination. It consists of treating those who do not belong to a certain species worse and unjustifiably.”

 – – –

There are so many different events you could take part in each year. It could just be using a hashtag on twitter to raise awareness. Maybe you could donate to a wildlife charity. Alternatively joining a litter picking event is a really good way to get involved. However you get involved, you can make a difference.

Are there any events or days that I need to add to this environmental awareness calendar? Please let me know below.

If you like what I do and want to support me, you can buy me a ‘coffee’ which helps with the running costs of the website. Alternatively come and say hello on facebook, twitter or pinterest.

PIN ME