Celebrating Earth Day

The event, which started in America 30 years ago, has become a global celebration with people and businesses taking part across the world.

This year Earth Day falls on Wednesday (22 April) when there’ll be everything from individual commitments to use less electricity or travel sustainably to international corporations unveiling environmentally friendly initiatives.

In Scotland the day will see the official launch of the Eco-Schools Programme, which is specifically aimed at secondary schools.

The lauch, which takes place at Scotland’s national stadium Hampden Park in Glasgow, will involve more than 150 pupils, teachers and educational staff.

Eco-Schools is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment.

It is an environmental management tool, learning resource and recognised award scheme, with more than 3,000 Scottish schools already involved.

In Lancashire the local wildlife trust will mark Earth Day with a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style bidding process, with the county’s sixth forms and colleges battling it out for a potential slice of £8000 in environmental funding.

Young people aged 16 to 19 will face the eco dragons, a panel of local business and environmental conscience people, to argue the virtues of a number of schemes.

The schemes range frm producing a pantomime to raise awareness of recycling to equipment for bushcraft activities and renovating school grounds.

Organiser Julia Simons said: “It’s a great chance for young people to help the environment in the way they want.

“It’s all their choices and their decisions, we’re really impressed with how they have taken the opportunity to do something unique.”

The Disney Store will mark the event by introducing reusable shopping bag in all its UK stores.

For each bag, featuring a specially-designed Earth Day logo with Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, Disney will give £1 to the Woodland Trust.

Disney Stores have also, throughout April, been arranging their window displays around Earth Day as well as giving out educational leaflets and competition prizes.

Teresa Tideman, joint managing director Disney Store Europe, said: “We’re delighted to work with the Woodland Trust to connect children and families with our precious woodland to ensure their natural playground is preserved forever.

“We have a range of initiatives lined up that will not only raise funds but also educate our guests and cast members on the importance of trees to our environment and well-being.”

Luke Walsh