Greenpeace Day

On 15^th September, people around the world take a little bit of time out to celebrate Greenpeace Day. This is the time to release that inner activist and get passionate about helping to improve the state of the planet and its environment.

History of Greenpeace Day

Greenpeace is a campaign organization for ecological issues that has become an internationally renowned entity over the past few decades. Greenpeace was originally founded by a group of 17 individual activists located in Vancouver who protested against offshore nuclear testing that was happening in Alaska on this date in the year 1971.

This cooperation between Americans and Canadians was the beginning of a very important step in the right direction. Since that time, Greenpeace has become a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) that operates offices in at least 55 countries around the world, including an international coordinating group that functions out of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Over the years, Greenpeace has achieved an abundance of victories in fighting against eco-crimes, as well as making an enormous contribution to raising awareness for a myriad of environmental issues across the globe. The organization constantly strives to implement their vision of a society which recognises Earth as an essential life support system–with full awareness that the planet’s resources are not infinite and must be protected and cared for.

Greenpeace campaigns range from educating people about various concerns such as the receding ice of the Arctic Ocean, as well as raising awareness for the protection of the oceans and rainforests while also working towards nuclear disarmament.

One unique effort Greenpeace has been involved with for almost 50 years is The Greenpeace Fleet. Containing three ships, the fleet sails around the world’s oceans, raising awareness and fighting for environmental justice. Various activities include obstructing nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean, conducting research on the effects of climate change in the Arctic Ocean, documenting data regarding plastics in the waters, and bringing humanitarian relief to people and communities who are devastated by extreme weather situations.

To recognise the contribution made by the organisation which came out of such humble roots (yet now boasts 2.9 million members), Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver has pronounced September 15^th Greenpeace Day. In this Pacific Northwestern city, celebrations include a free family-friendly outdoor festival, tree planting, workshops on activism and many other earth focused activities.

But the celebration of the day certainly isn’t limited to those living in Vancouver or the Pacific Northwest. In fact, anyone from anywhere, all over the earth, can take part in the celebration of Greenpeace Day!

How to Celebrate Greenpeace Day

Greenpeace Day is a great day to be inspired by everything that has to do with helping to save and preserve the planet! Try these interesting ideas for getting involved with and honoring the day:

Learn More About the Importance of Saving the Earth

Some people don’t realize the sense of urgency humans need to have in order to avoid some devastating consequences for future inhabitants of the earth. As the only known planet with the ability to sustain life as we know it, Earth offers the needed resources for humans, animals, plants, and other forms of life whether animate or inanimate.

But planet-harming activities are being caused by humans and industry at an alarming rate, contaminating water sources, using up trees, polluting the air and losing the biodiversity that makes the planet so beautiful. Without intervention, the earth may eventually get past the point of no return and leave future generations with a devastating place to live.

Use Your Voice

Greenpeace Day is all about each person using their voice and making their convictions known to make a difference in the way the people take care of the earth. This is a great day to sign petitions that will safeguard the planet and also encourage others to do the same.

Those who want to keep apprised of important Greenpeace issues and events that affect the planet can contact the organization and get connected through emails. This allows individuals to join together in the Climate Justice Movement and really make a difference in the world around them!

Make Everyday Changes to Help the Earth

Be green in the home and out and about by switching off unnecessary light bulbs and throwing that empty wrapper on the street in the bin. Consider these and other ideas for saving the planet, not only on Greenpeace Day, but every day:

• Be sure to take advantage of all of the opportunities to reuse and recycle items before just tossing them out.
• Set up a compost bin in the backyard to help minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills–and use it to fertilize the garden.
• Conserve water by taking shorter (and fewer) showers, turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth or shaving, checking the toilet for leaks, choosing xeriscaping for the lawn, and generally just paying more attention to how much water is used.
• Save the earth while shopping by choosing products that are earth friendly (especially vegetarian and vegan), avoiding plastic packaging, and making use of reusable shopping bags.

Volunteer or Work with Greenpeace

Think bigger and look into volunteering and helping raise awareness for Greenpeace issues. The organization needs volunteer workers and paid staff with all sorts of different talents and skills, including communications, campaigning, legal, finance, logistics, fundraising and so much more. There are tons of different opportunities for almost anyone to get involved!

Make a Donation to Greenpeace

For those who don’t have time to volunteer, Greenpeace is always appreciative of donations they can use to keep the earth healthy. One factor they want everyone to know is that they are the only global environmental charity that does not accept any government or corporate funds. This means they have a truly independent voice and are never influenced or biased toward anything other than what’s best for the earth!

Individual donations are the only way the organization operates, so Greenpeace Day is a great time to think about helping out! Finally let Greenpeace Day act as a reminder that as the anthropologist Margaret Mead once put it: ‘Never doubt that a … group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’.