Idaho Falls Earth Day was started over 25 years by a group that was formed by professionals from government and private industry whose mission is to promote environmental stewardship and resource conservation in Eastern Idaho. This nonprofit organization is Eastern Idaho Environmental Education Association (EIEEA).
EIEEA works with local schools, businesses, and government agencies to support education programs and community awareness events and activities that focus on environmental conservation.
Why Earth Day Matters
Earth Day began in 1970 as a collective response to environmental concerns. What started as a grassroots movement has grown into a global call to action, reminding us that we all have a role in shaping the future of our world and in our own cities. It is a day to celebrate nature’s resilience, acknowledge the challenges we face, and recommit to restoration and regeneration of the resources we are responsible for.
Some of the main reasons we celebrate Earth Day:
Raising Awareness
Earth Day is a global event that brings attention to the environmental challenges facing our planet.
Promoting Action
It encourages individuals to take steps to protect the environment, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and planting trees.
Inspiring Change
Earth Day aims to inspire change and promote sustainable practices on a larger scale.
Community Engagement
Fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility for the environment.
Looking to the Future
Earth Day serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
In essence, Earth Day is a day for global reflection, action, and a call to protect the environment.
What Can You Do?
We can achieve a sustainable future for us with our combined efforts of making changes to our lifestyles that reinforce environmentally friendly efforts.
- Eliminating single-use plastics and replace with reusable and recyclable materials
- Embrace daily acts of recycling and composting
- Curbing food waste
- Conserving energy at home (turning off the water when you brush your teeth)
- Advocate for effective environmental solutions
- Spread awareness and be an example
Proclamation of Idaho Falls Earth Day Celebration
Eastern Idahoans are fortunate to live in an area that is blessed with awe-inspiring beauty and natural wonders surrounded by the unique treasure of the Snake River Plain, the majestic Tetons and the spectacular Yellowstone Plateau. Eastern Idaho provides a dynamic blend of outdoor beauty and recreational opportunity and South Fork and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks and Craters of the Moon are known the world over, conjuring up majestic images and rugged mountains, spectacular forests, lakes, wetlands, and more all of which deserve our vigilant protection. Idahoans are joining others throughout our country and the world to observe this day by participating in events and activities that promote respect for and protection of our planet. Federal, state, and local governments, non-profits organizations, business and concerned citizens everywhere are adopting policies and practices to improve our environments – not only on Earth Day, but every day, and Earth Day provides an opportunity to appreciate our national heritage, increase our ecological awareness and preserve our environment more fully.
Plogging Challenge for K-12
Earth Day is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the ecological changes that occur because of decisions we make. You are the future caretakers of our planet and will have to work together to Invest in our Earth's future.
"Plogging" is a new global movement that takes advantage of jogging, walking, or other outdoor activities while picking up litter. Grab your gloves and a bag while you enjoy the outdoors as you clean up our natural spaces.
To participate in the Plogging Challenge
- Your class will collect trash at a designated area chosen by your educator while walking or jogging, outdoors.
- Take photographs and email with your class information to idahofallsearthday@gmail.com.
- Each classroom will be entered into a drawing to receive a "Pizza Party" for your class.
We are excited to include your photos of trash collections on our social media platforms, please submit them to idahofallsearthday@gmail.com. Winners will be published on the www.ifearthday.com website. Thank you for working together to make a better future for everyone!
Submissions are due by April 15th.
Plogging Challenge for Individuals and Familes
Let's go plogging! Haven't heard of it before? This term stands for jogging + picking up trash. Whether you want to jog or enjoy a nice walk, head outside during the week of April 19 – 27 and do your part to help clean up our community and celebrate Earth Day!
Take your favorite routes or explore new routes while picking up any garbage you may encounter along the way. Share a photo of your cleanup on social media using the hashtag #IFEarthDay and let us know where you went for the cleanup, how much you picked up, and whether we should come back to pick up more. Be sure to make your post public so we can share it on the Idaho Falls Earth Day Social Media Accounts, or if your post is private, you can DM the picture to the IF Earth Day account to be posted. You can also email us at idahofallsearthday@gmail.com and attach your photo. Winners will be published our social media platforms. All participants who share their posts with us will be entered into a raffle to win a prize!
Thank you for working together to make a better future for everyone!
Want to learn more about plogging? See this article about the Idaho Falls Trail Runners remove trash from the beautiful Idaho nature.
Earth Day Bike Ride
Celebrate Earth Day the week of April 19 – 27 by decreasing noise and air pollution, while simultaneously improving your quality of life! Ride your bike to school, work, or just for fun. Take your favorite routes or explore new routes while picking up any garbage you may encounter along the way. Share a photo of your cleanup on social media using the hashtag #IFEarthDay and let us know where you went for the cleanup, how much you picked up, and whether we should come back to pick up more. Be sure to make your post public so we can share it on the Idaho Falls Earth Day Social Media Accounts, or if your post is private, you can DM the picture to the IF Earth Day account to be posted. You can also email us at idahofallsearthday@gmail.com and attach your photo. Winners will be published our social media platforms. All participants who share their posts with us will be entered into a raffle to win a prize!
Here are some basic tips for a safe ride:
- Wear a helmet
- Use bike lights (front and back)
- Be kind and respectful to whomever you encounter
- Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road
Bike riding uses minimal fossil fuels. This means riding your bike offers a pollution-free mode of transport. If you replace a car with a bike each time you go to school/work, you will save approximately 3,000 lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Bike riding boosts mental and emotional health. It improves your balance and posture, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, strength, and overall mood as well. Plus, riding your bike gives you a chance to get outdoors and get some fresh air. The personal health benefits of bike riding are numerous.
If you are new to bike commuting, see the map of Idaho Falls bike lanes (both existing and planned) and some tips on how to commute by bike in Idaho.
