Earth Day is a popular holiday, celebrated worldwide, that happens annually on April 22. Many events are planned around the world to gather and demonstrate support for the protection of the environment.

The holiday was established when on January 28, 1969, an oil drill on the coast of Santa Barbara, California exploded. Three million gallons of oil spilled into the Pacific Ocean which killed over 10,000 seabirds, dolphins, seals, and seal lions. In reaction to the incident, activists came together to mandate environmental regulation and education on the environment.

Gaylord Nelson, Senator of Wisconsin, was inspired to establish Earth Day after seeing the Santa Barbara Channel filled with oil from an airplane. This event eventually led to the first Earth Day in 1970. About 2,000 colleges and universities, 10,000 primary and secondary schools and hundreds of different communities came together in the U.S. to celebrate the first Earth Day.

“I celebrate Earth Day by planting new trees in my community,” junior Isaac Harris said.

Over 190 countries celebrate Earth Day across the world, making it the largest celebrated secular holiday in the world. Many people celebrate the day knowingly and unknowingly. Celebrating Earth Day can be as big as attending the Earth Day Fest in downtown Rochester or even recycling things one would normally throw away.

The Greenfest on April 27 at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak will offer eco-friendly crafts, science demonstrations, zookeeper talks, games and much more. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be free with ticket purchase at the zoo. Ticket prices range from $15 to $18, depending on age. For more information on event activities, prices and parking, visit detroitzoo.org to learn more.

Ann Arbor’s Annual Earth Day Festival at the Leslie Science and Nature Center, which takes place from noon to 4 p.m., will provide a free celebration for anyone interested. Live entertainment, animal demos, hands-on activities and tons of information will be available for participants. The opportunity to properly dispose of recyclables will be available in order to promote cleaner waste.

With all of the opportunities to celebrate locally, it’s easy to join the millions of people worldwide in celebrating Earth Day.