What is Earth Month?
Earth Month is a time dedicated to raising environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable action. While many people are familiar with Earth Day on April 22, Earth Month extends the celebration throughout the entire month of April – giving individuals, families, schools, and organizations more time to reflect on our planet and make meaningful changes.
Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Month has grown into a global movement that highlights the importance of protecting the environment, promoting climate education, and motivating people to take responsibility for the health of the Earth. From reducing plastic waste to planting trees, Earth Month is a collective call to action for a cleaner, greener future.
The history of Earth Month
The roots of Earth Month trace back to the very first Earth Day, which took place on April 22, 1970. Sparked by growing public concern over environmental pollution, oil spills, and the loss of natural resources, Earth Day was created by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to push environmental protection into the national spotlight.
On that day, over 20 million Americans – at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States – took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development which had left a growing legacy of serious human health impacts.
As Earth Day continued to grow in significance globally, many educators, environmentalists, and organizations began using the entire month of April to expand the conversation and impact. This broader movement became known as Earth Month – giving people more time to reflect, act, and promote sustainability throughout April.
Today, Earth Month is celebrated in over 190 countries and has evolved into a month-long series of events, campaigns, and educational initiatives aimed at protecting the planet and addressing the climate crisis. From schools and nonprofits to local governments and eco-conscious brands, Earth Month continues to unite people of all ages around a shared purpose: protecting the Earth for future generations.
When is Earth Month?
Earth Month takes place every April, culminating in Earth Day on April 22. While Earth Day itself is a single day of global environmental action, Earth Month is a time to go deeper – through education, storytelling, community events, and daily habits that support the planet.
Many schools, nonprofits, and eco-conscious brands host special programs throughout April to promote sustainability. From beach cleanups to recycling drives to climate-themed children’s books, Earth Month is a unique opportunity to focus on our planet’s well-being.
How Earth Month has raised awareness climate change
Over the past five decades, Earth Month has played a vital role in educating the public about environmental issues, especially climate change. The very first Earth Day mobilized 20 million Americans and led to landmark environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Since then, Earth Month has evolved into a worldwide campaign with participation from more than 190 countries. It brings attention to pressing issues such as:
- Global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
- Ocean and forest preservation
- Fossil fuel dependency
- Pollution and single-use plastics
- Biodiversity loss and endangered species
Earth Month helps translate scientific concepts into everyday understanding, making climate change more relatable for people of all ages. Through education and action, it empowers communities to make informed decisions that impact the planet for generations to come.
Earth Month actions that make a difference
So, what can you actually do to support Earth Month? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or eco-curious individual, here are simple yet impactful actions to take during Earth Month:
1. Create or share eco-stories
Storytelling is a powerful way to inspire kids and adults alike. Whether it’s reading a picture book about recycling or creating your own family story about protecting wildlife, stories make sustainability personal and memorable. Storytelling platforms like Storytime AI even let you customize eco-themed books where you or your child is the hero saving the Earth!
2. Join an eco-challenge
Participate in a 30-day eco-challenge to build sustainable habits. From meatless Mondays to no-plastic weeks, challenges add fun and structure to your impact. Many Earth Month campaigns reward participation with badges, credits, or social recognition.
3. Reduce, reuse, recycle – rethink
Cutting down on consumption is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Make Earth Month the time to finally switch to a reusable water bottle, start composting, or audit your energy usage at home.
4. Plant something green
Trees, wildflowers, herbs – anything that grows helps support local ecosystems and biodiversity. Schools and community gardens often organize planting events during Earth Month. It’s a hands-on way to teach kids the value of giving back to nature.
5. Support sustainable brands
Shift your spending power to businesses that prioritize the environment. During Earth Month, many brands launch eco-collections or donate a portion of proceeds to environmental charities.
6. Educate and engage
Host a book club, movie night, or classroom activity that centers around Earth Month themes. Share educational resources, documentaries, or infographics to help spread the word.
How to celebrate Earth Month
Celebrating Earth Month doesn’t have to be grand or expensive – it’s about making thoughtful choices and inviting others to do the same. Here are ways you can make Earth Month meaningful at home, in the classroom, or with your community:
🌱 At home
- Read Earth Month-themed books with your children
- Create eco-art from recycled materials
- Try zero-waste swaps for everyday items
- Turn off lights when not in use and unplug unused devices
📚 In the classroom
- Introduce students to environmental storytelling
- Start a classroom recycling or compost bin
- Assign Earth Month journal prompts or science projects
- Host a “green dress-up” day to raise awareness
🤝 In the community
- Volunteer for a cleanup event
- Attend an Earth Month fair or workshop
- Share your eco-challenge progress on social media
- Donate to local environmental organizations
Participate in Eco-Challenge: Stories for a Greener Planet with Storytime AI
One of the most fun and educational ways to celebrate Earth Month is through storytelling. With Storytime AI, you can generate custom eco-stories where you or your child is the main character – planting trees, cleaning oceans, or helping animals in need.
Throughout the month of April, Storytime AI is hosting Eco-Challenge: Stories for a Greener Planet, a special in-app event in partnership with Apple that encourages kids to take green actions during Earth Month.
During April (leading up to Earth Day on April 22), eco-challenge participants will be awarded in-app credits when they create and share stories detailing how they are making eco-friendly decisions like planting trees, recycling, or walking to school. These stories will be added to a new ‘Stories for a Greener Planet’ category in our Discover Library, helping inspire others to take action for a greener planet!
This interactive challenge motivates kids to get involved, share their efforts, be rewarded, and enjoy fun storybook adventures from others that will keep young readers engaged while subtly teaching lessons on sustainability and respect for nature. This hybrid challenge is a fun and inspiring way for families to celebrate Earth Month together.
It’s storytelling with a mission – fueling both imagination and action!
Final thoughts
Earth Month reminds us that protecting the planet is a year-round responsibility, but April gives us the perfect excuse to learn more, do more, and inspire others to join us.
Whether you’re starting small at home or organizing an eco-event in your neighborhood, your efforts matter. Celebrate Earth Month this April with intentional action, meaningful stories, and a commitment to creating a brighter, greener future for all.
Storytime AI is proud to celebrate this month – and we hope you join us!