National Greenpeace Day – September 15, 2022 , history, quotes FAQS
Greenpeace Day is observed every year on September 15. It is a day dedicated to bringing about a change in the way we treat our environment. It calls for peaceful protests to improve the air that we breathe, reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, avoiding the usage of plastic, and improving the water quality. Greenpeace undertakes various campaigns to this effect to spread awareness of these concerns.
HISTORY OF GREENPEACE DAY
Greenpeace Day marks the day the organization was founded on September 15 in the year 1971. This happened when 17 activists were sailing on the Phyllis Cormack to try and stop the nuclear testing which was set to take place off the shores of Alaska.
The testing proceeded however the protest that took place set in motion a movement that is still relevant and growing in today’s time. Thus, in honor of Greenpeace, the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, proclaimed September 15 as Greenpeace Day in 2011.
Greenpeace undertakes several campaigns regularly to throw light on ecological concerns that need urgent attention. A non-governmental organization, it operates in a minimum of 55 countries and has an international coordinating group functioning out of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
They also have over three million members which work actively towards achieving the mission of the organization. Greenpeace has also been involved in an initiative for almost 50 years known as The Greenpeace Fleet. This consists of three ships that sail around the oceans of the world and raise awareness for environmental justice.
Greenpeace Day is celebrated across the globe in various ways. This is a perfect opportunity to start campaigning for your planet and make it a better place. In Vancouver, the home of Greenpeace, the celebrations include free family-friendly outdoor festivals, tree planting, workshops focused on activism, and environmental-centric activities.
It’s not too late for anyone to jump on the wagon and do your bit for the environment. Be it a social media campaign or volunteering with Greenpeace, or making small changes in your daily life, you can honor this day in multiple ways.
GREENPEACE DAY TIMELINE
1969
Don’t Make a Wave Committee
Don’t Make a Wave Committee is formed as an anti-nuclear organization that later evolves into Greenpeace.
1970
Greenpeace’s Financial Base
Irving Stowe arranges a benefit concert in Vancouver which creates the financial base for Greenpeace’s first campaign.
1971
Greenpeace is Founded
Irving Stowe and Dorothy Stowe, environmental activists, officially form Greenpeace.
1972
Greenpeace Foundation
The Don’t Make a Wave Committee changes its name officially to Greenpeace Foundation.
HOW TO OBSERVE GREENPEACE DAY
Advocate for environmental preservation
Unleash your inner activist and contribute towards preserving the planet we live on. The efforts small steps can make are underestimated. Advocate for the protection of our environment.
Learn about the importance of saving the Earth
There are several conversations on the global stage regarding preserving our environment.
However, some people still do not realize the urgency to work towards it and why it is of utmost importance that the world comes together to save our planet. On Greenpeace Day, you can use your time to learn more about the need for conservation efforts and enlighten yourself.
Volunteer with Greenpeace
You can actively take part in protecting the environment by volunteering with Greenpeace. The organization is always looking for passionate people to join their cause to make this planet a better place to live in for ourselves and future generations. You can work with one of their multiple departments and do your bit.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GREENPEACE DAY
It’s an NGO
Greenpeace is a non-government organization with a presence in over 40 countries.
Methods to achieve goals
Greenpeace uses methods like peaceful protests, research, lobbying, etc. to achieve its goals.
Seagoing ships
Since the formation of Greenpeace, sea-going ships have played a pivotal role in the organization’s campaigns.
Membership
Greenpeace members are voted in by volunteers and activists.
Largest environmental organization
With over 3 million members, Greenpeace is the largest environmental organization in the world.
WHY GREENPEACE DAY IS IMPORTANT
Environmental protection is the need of the hour
It is not a secret that our environment needs protection and preservation at the earliest. Our dependency on resources and abuse of them has led to unfavorable consequences. However, as they say, every tiny drop makes an ocean, and if we all come together and take small steps, we can do a lot more for the planet that we call our home.
It promotes tackling issues peacefully
Greenpeace encourages the usage of peaceful protests and communication to bring about a change. In a world where there is enough violence, this is a more appreciated method to tackling serious issues that concern our environment.
Encourages collective campaigning
Greenpeace is a global movement and encourages everyone sitting in any part of the world to do their bit to achieve the mission of Greenpeace. It provides a universal platform for environmental activists to come together and be the change.
How to Celebrate Greenpeace Day
Greenpeace Day is a great day to be inspired by everything that has to do with helping to save and preserve the planet! Try these interesting ideas for getting involved with and honoring the day:
Learn More About the Importance of Saving the Earth
Some people don’t realize the sense of urgency humans need to have in order to avoid some devastating consequences for future inhabitants of the earth. As the only known planet with the ability to sustain life as we know it, Earth offers the needed resources for humans, animals, plants, and other forms of life whether animate or inanimate.
But planet-harming activities are being caused by humans and industry at an alarming rate, contaminating water sources, using up trees, polluting the air and losing the biodiversity that makes the planet so beautiful. Without intervention, the earth may eventually get past the point of no return and leave future generations with a devastating place to live.
Use Your Voice
Greenpeace Day is all about each person using their voice and making their convictions known to make a difference in the way the people take care of the earth. This is a great day to sign petitions that will safeguard the planet and also encourage others to do the same.
Those who want to keep apprised of important Greenpeace issues and events that affect the planet can contact the organization and get connected through emails: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/act/climate-justice/ This allows individuals to join together in the Climate Justice Movement and really make a difference in the world around them!.
Make Everyday Changes to Help the Earth
Be green in the home and out and about by switching off unnecessary light bulbs and throwing that empty wrapper on the street in the bin. Consider these and other ideas for saving the planet, not only on Greenpeace Day, but every day:
Be sure to take advantage of all of the opportunities to reuse and recycle items before just tossing them out.
Set up a compost bin in the backyard to help minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills–and use it to fertilize the garden.
Conserve water by taking shorter (and fewer) showers, turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth or shaving, checking the toilet for leaks, choosing xeriscaping for the lawn, and generally just paying more attention to how much water is used.
Save the earth while shopping by choosing products that are earth friendly (especially vegetarian and vegan), avoiding plastic packaging, and making use of reusable shopping bags.
Volunteer or Work with Greenpeace
Think bigger and look into volunteering and helping raise awareness for Greenpeace issues. The organization needs volunteer workers and paid staff with all sorts of different talents and skills, including communications, campaigning, legal, finance, logistics, fundraising and so much more. There are tons of different opportunities for almost anyone to get involved!
Make a Donation to Greenpeace
For those who don’t have time to volunteer, Greenpeace is always appreciative of donations they can use to keep the earth healthy. One factor they want everyone to know is that they are the only global environmental charity that does not accept any government or corporate funds. This means they have a truly independent voice and are never influenced or biased toward anything other than what’s best for the earth!
Individual donations are the only way the organization operates, so Greenpeace Day is a great time to think about helping out! Finally let Greenpeace Day act as a reminder that as the anthropologist Margaret Mead once put it: ‘Never doubt that a … group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’.
GREENPEACE DAY FAQS
What does Greenpeace actually do?
It is a global network of independent campaigning organizations. Through peaceful protests and communication, they aim to bring to light the global environmental problems and come up with solutions that can help to create a green and peaceful future.
How does Greenpeace earn money?
Greenpeace gets funding from individual supporters and foundations. However, donations that are affiliated in any way to political parties, government funds, and intergovernmental organizations are rejected.
How do I join Greenpeace?
One can join Greenpeace in a plethora of ways. You can share campaigns on social media or reach out to the Greenpeace office in your country and seek an opportunity to volunteer.
