The first Earth Day, held on April 22, 1970, shook the masses awake to the overlooked effect of "progress" on our natural world and marked an indelible turning point in environmental activism, setting the stage for lasting policy changes and global awareness.
Inspired by the era’s powerful social movements — including civil rights, women’s rights, and anti-war protests — what began as campus-based anti-pollution and clean water protests caught fire, launching a grassroots movement, with 20 million Americans joining rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations.
The movement went legislative. Earth Day’s success proved that public activism could drive political action. The momentum led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later that year and the passage of landmark legislation, including the Clean Air Act (1970), Clean Water Act (1972), and Endangered Species Act (1973). The movement also transformed education, inspiring environmental studies programs and widespread media coverage on ecological issues.
By 1990, Earth Day had become a global event, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries. It reinforced the idea that environmentalism transcends politics, uniting people across party lines and national borders. More than five decades later, Earth Day continues to be a driving force in sustainability efforts, which permeates our culture's expression with solution-catalyzed creativity, proving that collective action can galvanize meaningful change for the planet.
This year, the Miami area offers several Earth Day events on and around April 22. At press time, we found some interesting ways to celebrate and participate, and there’s even a virtual option. Event details can change, so be sure to verify information and any registration requirements by visiting the respective websites.
MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
(Jason Koerner Photography)
Miami Children's Museum, Take Care With Peanuts Exhibit
This year’s Earth Day extravaganza features a new traveling exhibit that offers play-based activities and exhibits covering a range of environmental stewardship topics. There’s a recycling relay, steam-based activities, bird feeder building, a reduce-reuse-recycle obstacle course, and a visit with Everglades National Park, and original performances. And who knew that Charlie Brown and the gang were environmentally conscious? The Take Care with Peanuts exhibit is an interactive and educational space that teaches kids about recycling, composting, and sustainability while essentially promoting the values that served as central themes for the comics – friendship, empathy, and self-care.
“We are really excited about Take Care with Peanuts because it helps children to learn how to take care of themselves, others and the world around them,” said Deborah Spiegelman, CEO of Miami Children’s Museum.
To top it off, kids can experience the Miami Superblue immersive Lightfall exhibit, which uses renewable resources, in this case, mist, to create eye-catching, live movement.
“We are honored to have the works of Studio Lemercier at Superblue and to share installations that explore the natural world and inspire visitors to take action to protect the Earth,” said Shantelle Rodriguez, Superblue’s director of experiential art centers. “Lightfall is the perfect example of the artists’ dedication to sustainability.”
PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
(Courtesy Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science)
Science Plaza Solar Trees at The Frost Museum
In celebration of Earth Day, the Frost Museum will feature Our Power, Our Planet, Sun., April 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. FPL Solar Now will present the day’s program, offering hands-on games and activities showcasing renewable energy, sustainability and earth-friendly ways of producing energy. The program will appeal to those interested in solar technologies and innovative solar structures, created by-and-for the community.
“We believe technology is not at odds with nature — it’s a tool that, when used responsibly, can help us better understand, protect, and restore our planet,” said Analisa Duran, senior director of science education at Frost Science.
Solar trees, covered walkways, and parking canopies, which provide shade and harness the power of the sun while generating emissions-free energy, are already in use in many public spaces throughout Miami-Dade County.
The museum has several other ongoing programs for all ages.
“Our museum is dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and nature through education, research, and immersive experiences that inspire action by engaging guests of all ages,” said Duran. “We aim to empower our community to make sustainable choices that collectively improve our planet’s future.”
All Earth Day programming is included with regular admission.
HISTORYMIAMI MUSEUM
(Courtesy HistoryMiami)
A child participates in the Wildlife Exhibit at HistoryMiami
An Earth Day edition of HistoryMiami’s free monthly community program series will take place Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will include ongoing interactive storytelling sessions and various creative crafting activities with environmental stewardship and local ecosystems conservation themes. Hands-on experiences include an exciting fauna discovery table about native wildlife.
“At HistoryMiami Museum, we recognize the vital role that Earth Day plays in fostering awareness and action towards protecting our planet,” said Michele Reese Granger, the museum’s senior marketing director.
(Courtesy HistoryMiami)
The gallery wall at HistoryMiami
Throughout the day, visitors can join in a guided tour of the museum's permanent exhibition: Tropical Dreams: A People's History of South Florida, which explores the region's natural environment relative to local history and culture.
“From the Everglades to our beautiful beaches, Miami’s natural resources are treasures we must all work to preserve,” said Reece, “As a museum deeply rooted in this community, we are proud to engage in these important conversations with our visitors, celebrating our environment while inspiring a shared responsibility for its future.”
THE BASS MUSEUM
(Photo by Zaire Aranguren)
Lucy, 1992 Nam June Paik a forerunner in the recycled art movement
In honor of Earth Day, on April 22, the Bass Creativity Center will offer virtual lessons: "Print Making with Recyclable Materials Inspired by Nam June Paik." Drawing on the legacy of the work of Paik, who pioneered performance and technology-based “recycled” art, the virtual lesson will be posted on the Lesson Plan page on the museum’s website.
The lesson will focus on basic printmaking techniques that use readily available recycled materials. The Bass aims to encourage community members to work together and collect single-use plastics to transform them into works of art. Paik’s sculptures are currently on view in the exhibition, Performing Perspectives: A Collection in Dialogue. Visitors can check out Paik’s use of recycled materials in his sculptures "Bakelite Robot," "Lucy," and "Internet Dweller." The lesson includes a materials list, instructions, images of the artist’s work and a virtual 360 tour of "Nam June Paik: The Miami Years exhibition."
(Photo by Zaire Aranguren)
TV Cello, 2003 Nam June Paik, made from recycled materials
THE ECO CHANNEL AT THE DCOTA
Farther north but worth the drive, the ECO Channel will host its 5th Annual Eco-summit at the DCOTA building in Broward on Tuesday, April 22, from noon to 7 p.m., featuring talks, interactive workshops, and practical tips to celebrate and protect the planet. Sponsored by FPL, UNA Broward and Broward County, this gathering is a unique opportunity to connect with a sophisticated audience of "Green" movers and shakers, investors and global leaders.
The summit will include eco-conscious exhibitors, as-yet-unannounced world leaders and dignitaries, plus an upcycled/recycled fashion show, and a special performance by the Florida Grand Opera. Also planned is the world premiere unveiling of the soccer World Cup USA ball. (And famed player Lionel Messi may just show up to sign it.) This is a televised event; last year, 30 minutes of it was broadcast on the New York Times Square billboard to millions. Broward County Transit (www.broward.org) is wrapping several buses in commemoration of Earth Day and in partnership with this event and will provide transportation to attendees. This event is free and open to the public.