Photo by Fateme Alaie via Unsplash
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protections. First held in 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated in more than 192 countries across the globe. The Earth Day celebration that stands out most for me was the 20th anniversary held in Central Park in New York. The event was estimated to have drawn more than 750,000 people—a big incentive being the free concert, which included a performance by the B-52s (who doesn’t love “Love Shack”?).
This year marks the 41st Earth Day, and amidst a global pandemic, activities will look a lot different. (Click here for more information on the virtual events taking place this year.)
Free articles from our environments and health column.
In honor of Earth Day, AJN would like to offer free access to the below selection of articles from our Environments and Health column until May 15. There’s a lot to unpack in these articles—from steps to reduce waste at the hospital level, to how nurses can get involved in fighting climate change, to how patients’ health can be affected by our environment, particularly the mental health conditions that may arise amid extreme changes in our environment such as excessive heat or droughts. We think you’ll find inspiration among these pages and some great ideas on how you can get involved. And if you want to see the B-52s performance you can catch it here.
Reducing Waste and Increasing Sustainability in Health Care Settings
Nursing Practice and Particulate Matter Exposure
Climate Change and Mental Health
Christine Moffa, PhD, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is AJN’s senior clinical editor
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