Today, April 22, Friday, is Earth Day. On this day, events are held to enlighten people about environmental issues, and to let them be a part of an eco-friendly society.

Last year during September, the United Nation member states announced the 17 goals for Sustainable Development. These goals encourage countries, organizations, companies, and society to take action and try to accomplish the goals. Creating action, making international agreements, and raising awareness leads to a better, more sustainable world for environment, society, and economy. One movement, is Earth Day. Celebrated in countries around the world, Earth Day strives to alert people the current and future problems regarding the environment. Today, on this year’s Earth Day, 120 states are to sign the Paris Agreement, an agreement regarding improvement in greenhouse gas emissions.

Earth Day originated in the U.S. in 1970, when Senator Gaylord Nelson declared April 22 as Earth Day. Since then, the movement has gained recognition and has become global. In Japan, the main celebration is held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. There are talk shows, shops selling clothes and other items made with natural and organic materials, musical performances, and thought-provoking films. All of which are supported by NGO and NPOs, renown companies, and other organizations. There are also shops that sell food of different cultures and that are cooked with ingredients from local farms. If you bring your own plate, you get 100 yen off the original price. Volunteers help out the events, wearing t-shirts that were unfit for selling due to printing mistakes or old t-shirts. The t-shirts are flipped inside out, and have the same Earth Day logo printed on them. Other events are held around the country that educate children the importance of nature.

Joining and cooperating in Earth Day events is a great way to learn about the world we live in from an environmental perspective. Take time to look back on your ecological footprint and find ways to reduce your negative impact on environment to make way for positive influences.