Earth Day: a day to take action by changing human behavior and to create changes on a global, national and local level. Since 1970, Earth Day is annually celebrated on April 22nd. National Geographic explains that it all started when a Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, organized a demonstration to raise and spread awareness about a variety of environmental issues. Rallies and protests flooded the nation and by the end of 1970, the U.S government created the Environmental Protection Agency. 20 years later, in 1990, Earth Day became an event celebrated by over 140 countries across the world.
Sophomore Tillie Leroy gathers with Leavenworth’s youth at the climate march.
In order to celebrate Earth Day and strive to make the world a better place, Cascade High School’s Sustainability Club held their annual youth-led March on April 23rd from 5:30-7:00. The purpose of the march was to bring awareness to the issues involving the climate crisis and sustainability. The club’s president Stella Johnson explained that the club was inspired to hold the march because it is a perfect way to honor, celebrate and spread awareness to Earth Day. Stella said, “I believe an event like this effected our community by showing that we have a community that cares and will unite behind a cause.” When asked how she thinks the Earth Day March will impact the world outside of Leavenworth and in the grand scheme of things she said, “I hope the bigger impact it makes is that people take time and think about our current predicament involving our Earth and climate change, and maybe reflect on their impact. It also shows our town and community that people care and that it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Stella says that her favorite part was when the youth of Leavenworth came and got excited about being a part of such an event. She stated, “I think that that in itself is pretty amazing.”
Leavenworth's adolescents gather at Lions Club Park before showing their support for our Earth!
Cascade junior and member of Cascade’s Sustainability club, Madi Gillespie also attended the march. When asked why she thinks it is important to be involved in events like this she said, “It’s important to be involved because it brings awareness to issues and shows our support.” Madi also explained that she hopes her involvement in the march encourages others to become involved and to not be afraid to stand up for the things they believe in. She explained that her favorite part was, “The speeches before the march. Especially the ones from the younger kids.”
Seniors Stella Johnson and Rory Swaboda hold homemade signs showing their support.
Outside of Cascade High School, a variety of events took place in order stand up for the Earth and celebrate it. At Pybus Market in Wenatchee, a Sustainable Wenatchee Earth Day Fair took place to celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. The fair held educational booths, take-home activities for kids, and shopping available with local and eco-friendly gifts and goods. In Leavenworth, Wenatchee River Institute held a river clean up from 4-6 on Earth Day in order to maintain the health of the Leavenworth area and promote a clean Earth. On April 17th, Leavenworth runners safely gathered at the Sleeping Lady Resort, completing a 5k, as an early celebration of Earth Day.
Overall, through the Leavenworth local community as well as in Chelan County, Earth Day was celebrated through a various of events. From a local student led march to Earth Day markets, the world comes together on Earth Day to support a common love and passion for the Earth.
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