On June 5th, 1972, the United Nations General Assembly formed the United Nations Environment Programme (commonly referred to as UNEP). The organization was created to, “Provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.”
That same day was also marked World Environment Day (WED) and every June 5th since, has been celebrated as a worldwide day of environmental awareness among politicians and the general public. This year, UNEP is using the slogan, “Green Economy: Does it Include you,” a proposal for an alternative and more sustainable way of doing business.
While this year’s main international celebrations will be headquartered in Brazil, a country with one of the fastest growing economies in the World; citizens around the world are encouraged to participate. In fact, UNEP created The World Environment Day Alphabet–80 Ways to Celebrate so you can choose your eco-partying method of choice, whether it’s organizing a street rally, riding a bike, writing an essay, or planting a tree.
A
Art made from recycled materials
Auctions to benefit an environmental project
B
Bicycle parades
Buy a fuel-efficient car
C
Carpool
Clean-up campaigns
D
Debates on government issues
Donate to an environmental cause
E
Excursions to a nature site
Environmental Education classes
F
Festivals
Fairs
G
Give an environmental cause gift membership to someone
H
Help local environmental groups
I
Inform other about WED
J
Join and environmental group
Join the billion tree campaign
K
Keep your neighborhood clean
Kick start and environmental campaign
To see the full list visit The World Environment Day Alphabet