Over 1 Billion People Actively Mark Earth Day; TCI does it at  IGA

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, April 21, 2023 – The world will celebrate Earth Day under the theme “Restore Our Earth” on April 22, 2023.  Earth Day celebrations are an opportunity to focus on issues such as climate change and pollution.  They help to raise awareness and highlight the importance of preserving and protecting the natural environment.

The first Earth Day celebration was in April of 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin inspired some 20 million Americans to take to the streets in protest of air and water pollution.  The impacts of 150 years of industrial development had become grave, depleting resources and leaving many with health issues.

The fight against toxic dumps, loss of wildlife, and deforestation was ongoing however it was not until the 1990s that Earth Day went global.

Today, more than one billion people across the world unite in raising awareness about human impact on the environment.  As the climate change crisis becomes increasingly pressing, the sense of urgency to advocate on Earth’s behalf increases.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, Graceway Community, the philanthropic arm of Graceway Supermarkets has once again partnered with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) for an Earth Day Market with educational presentations, raffles, and other activities.

The day’s events will take place at the Graceway IGA parking lot on Saturday April 22, Earth Day, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.