NORWALK, Conn – People around the globe celebrated Earth Day on April 22, 2022. This year felt different, however. Instead of a day of celebrations, many events spanned a week or more. Norwalk, Conn. held their Earth Day event on Sat., April 23, 2022 at their historic town green. Pastors from two surrounding churches provided commentary, singing and activities to engage the community. Booths were set up along the green representing the local gardening club, a bicycle coop, the town historical society and environmental action groups. The mood was celebratory, helped by the strong spring sunshine. This was the first Earth Day celebration for Norwalk and many citizens expressed hope that it would return annually in the future. Other events of the day included grounding exercises (similar to Tai Chi), and a bike tour from the local library along a path that Norwalk has been building to expand side walks and green spaces for residence.

Norwalk residents take part in grounding exercises in front of the gazebo on Norwalk's historic town green on Sat., April 23, 2022 in honor of Earth Day. The activity was led by Norwalker Audrey Cozzarin.

Global the Earth Day celebrations felt different this year too. Instead of conflict and protest, the week before and after Earth Day appeared to be coordinated efforts by local governments to celebrate the day while providing pleasant educational experiences for families. There were no protests, sit-ins or raging videos showing dramatic deaths causes by climate change. That doesn’t mean the fight is over by any means but, it seems a new strategy has taken hold of the global social action – one of inclusion and positive messaging.

This may be in part due to the acceptance that environmental issues are real. In years past, there’s usually a few talking-heads scoffing at the need for environmental action. In 2022, many politicians pledged support for the cause. Norwalk’s Mayor Harry Rilling committed increasing the use of sustainable energy and other conservation initiatives throughout the city. In a city know for political strife, there were no editorials or strikes to challenge his statements. For the first time since the 1990s, the need for environmental action seems to be embraced by the majority of the public.

Want to know more or become a citizen scientist? You may down load an Earth Day App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app is designed to direct students with their science projects or higher education build Earth Day Science and Research Projects around current needs.

Learn More About Attending Local Events Without Getting Political in This Week's Blog