The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, to demonstrate support for a healthy, sustainable environment. More than 20 million Americans took part that day, gathering in streets, parks, and auditoriums coast to coast to rally for our planet.
The voices raised that day sparked the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts. The environmental movement has since spread worldwide, with commemorations in 193 countries on April 22 every year.
Green Miami
Miami is at the forefront of the green revolution, with ongoing beach cleanup volunteer days and the Plastic-Free 305 Program to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastics in local businesses, along with continuing educational initiatives, hands-on activities, and family-friendly events.
We have countless public and private groups and organizations dedicated to preserving the health and beauty of our waterways, beaches, and parks.
Earth Day, however, provides an opportunity to focus attention on the need to protect our planet from further damage. Here are just a few ways you can celebrate Earth Day in the Greater Miami and Miami Beach areas.
Miami Earth Day events
- Earth Day beach cleanup—Join other volunteers to help pick up trash along the beach at 20th Street on Saturday, April 22 from from 5 to 7 p.m. Other cleanup activities are occurring throughout the month. Check here for more opportunities to pitch in.
- Earth Love Festival—This day-long gathering on Saturday, April 22 from noon to 8 p.m. at Mango Grove in Homestead celebrates sustainability with live music, yoga, educational talks, eco-friendly shopping, and vendors offering plant-based foods. All proceeds will go to the Aquacate Sanctuary of Love Farm and Animal Rescues.
- Zoo Miami Party for the Planet—Located at Zoo Miami in South Dade, this event takes place on Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features an interactive scavenger hunt for kids via mobile app to “save the planet.”
- Earth Day Artisan Market—This fun gathering at Cerveceria La Tropical in Wynwood offers a space filled with live music, refreshments, sustainable arts, crafts and unique items for purchase on Saturday, April 22, from noon to 4 p.m.
And if you’re looking for a unique Miami venue for any event, try the Historic Alfred I. duPont Building in downtown Miami. Its stunning interiors will provide the perfect setting for any event.