History:

In 1970, Earth Day began with 20 million Americans demonstrating against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development with no restrictions.  This left behind air and water pollution resulting in a deteriorating environment and serious health problems in both  humans and wildlife.   The demonstrations led to the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the passing of other laws, including the Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act, to be followed by the Clean Water Act two years later.  Since that day, Earth Day has been observed each year on April 22^nd, followed by many more milestones being reached in observance of this day.

How We Can Help in Our Community:

• Each and every one of us can help keep our local environment clean and healthy by doing the following:
• Cut down on garbage by recycling, reusing all those containers we get from takeout as well as plastic bags; using a reusable drinking cup; and bringing reusable bags with us to the grocery store instead of getting our purchases put into plastic or paper bags.  Or bringing the plastic bags back to the store for recycling.
• Conserve water by observing the city’s rules about when to water our lawns and fixing any leaks or dripping faucets promptly.
• Choose to use non-toxic chemicals to clean our homes and offices, fertilize our lawns and plants and help keep them free from harmful pests with organics instead of pesticides..
• Use long-lasting, energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off lights when not being used.
• Choose sustainable seafood.
• Drive less by car-pooling or walking or biking whenever possible.
• Pick up after your pets and bag and discard waste in a proper trash receptable.  Aside from ruining the aesthetics of our neighborhoods and causing a terrible odor, dog feces contain harmful organisms, such as Salmonella and E.coli.  This should never be disposed of near any body of water or storm drain as this pollutes the environment and can end up in our drinking water.
• Plant a tree, as hundreds of thousands of trees are being cut down for construction, which takes away life-sustaining oxygen from our ecosystem.
• Install a pond, bird feeder, bird bath, or birdhouses to draw animals into your yard.

We should also teach our children and grandchildren to follow all the above practices on a daily basis and to volunteer in their free time.  They can help clean up the waste and debris left behind on our beaches, around our lakes, in our parks and on our streets.  If we all do our part, we can keep our community clean and beautiful.

2025 Events:

Earth Day Mount Dora:

Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 9 a.m to 3 p.m

Donnelly Park, Mount Dora, FL

Central Florida Earth Day:

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 10 a.m to 6 p.m

Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington Street,

Orlando, FL  32801

Earth Day Family Day:

Saturday, April 19, 2025 10 a.m to 3 p.m

Art & History Museums of Maitland

231 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland, FL  

Earth Day Run:

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11 a.m

Waterfront Park, 330 Third Street,

Clermont, FL  34711

Clermont Earth Day and Lake Cleanup:

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Festival 9 a.m-11 a.m

Lake Clean-up 7:30 a.m-10:30 a.m

Lake Hiawatha Park

450 12^th Street, Clermont, FL  34711

To learn more visit www.earthday.org.