Greenpeace Day is observed every year on September 15. It is a day dedicated to bringing about a change in the way we treat our environment. It calls for peaceful protests to improve the air that we breathe, reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, avoiding the usage of plastic, and improving the water quality. Greenpeace undertakes various campaigns to this effect to spread awareness of these concerns.
History of Greenpeace Day
Greenpeace Day marks the day the organization was founded on September 15 in the year 1971. This happened when 17 activists were sailing on the Phyllis Cormack to try and stop the nuclear testing which was set to take place off the shores of Alaska. The testing proceeded however the protest that took place set in motion a movement that is still relevant and growing in today’s time. Thus, in honor of Greenpeace, the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, proclaimed September 15 as Greenpeace Day in 2011.
Greenpeace undertakes several campaigns regularly to throw light on ecological concerns that need urgent attention. A non-governmental organization, it operates in a minimum of 55 countries and has an international coordinating group functioning out of Amsterdam, Netherlands. They also have over three million members which work actively towards achieving the mission of the organization. Greenpeace has also been involved in an initiative for almost 50 years known as The Greenpeace Fleet. This consists of three ships that sail around the oceans of the world and raise awareness for environmental justice.
Greenpeace Day is celebrated across the globe in various ways. This is a perfect opportunity to start campaigning for your planet and make it a better place. In Vancouver, the home of Greenpeace, the celebrations include free family-friendly outdoor festivals, tree planting, workshops focused on activism, and environmental-centric activities.
It’s not too late for anyone to jump on the wagon and do your bit for the environment. Be it a social media campaign or volunteering with Greenpeace, or making small changes in your daily life, you can honor this day in multiple ways.
Greenpeace Day timeline
Don't Make a Wave Committee is formed as an anti-nuclear organization that later evolves into Greenpeace.
Irving Stowe arranges a benefit concert in Vancouver which creates the financial base for Greenpeace’s first campaign.
Irving Stowe and Dorothy Stowe, environmental activists, officially form Greenpeace.
The Don't Make a Wave Committee changes its name officially to Greenpeace Foundation.
Greenpeace Day FAQs
What does Greenpeace actually do?
It is a global network of independent campaigning organizations. Through peaceful protests and communication, they aim to bring to light the global environmental problems and come up with solutions that can help to create a green and peaceful future.
How does Greenpeace earn money?
Greenpeace gets funding from individual supporters and foundations. However, donations that are affiliated in any way to political parties, government funds, and intergovernmental organizations are rejected.
How do I join Greenpeace?
One can join Greenpeace in a plethora of ways. You can share campaigns on social media or reach out to the Greenpeace office in your country and seek an opportunity to volunteer.
How to Observe Greenpeace Day
Advocate for environmental preservation
Unleash your inner activist and contribute towards preserving the planet we live on. The efforts small steps can make are underestimated. Advocate for the protection of our environment.
Learn about the importance of saving the Earth
There are several conversations on the global stage regarding preserving our environment. However, some people still do not realize the urgency to work towards it and why it is of utmost importance that the world comes together to save our planet. On Greenpeace Day, you can use your time to learn more about the need for conservation efforts and enlighten yourself.
Volunteer with Greenpeace
You can actively take part in protecting the environment by volunteering with Greenpeace. The organization is always looking for passionate people to join their cause to make this planet a better place to live in for ourselves and future generations. You can work with one of their multiple departments and do your bit.
5 Interesting Facts About Greenpeace Day
It’s an NGO
Greenpeace is a non-government organization with a presence in over 40 countries.
Methods to achieve goals
Greenpeace uses methods like peaceful protests, research, lobbying, etc. to achieve its goals.
Seagoing ships
Since the formation of Greenpeace, sea-going ships have played a pivotal role in the organization’s campaigns.
Membership
Greenpeace members are voted in by volunteers and activists.
Largest environmental organization
With over 3 million members, Greenpeace is the largest environmental organization in the world.
Why Greenpeace Day is Important
Environmental protection is the need of the hour
It is not a secret that our environment needs protection and preservation at the earliest. Our dependency on resources and abuse of them has led to unfavorable consequences. However, as they say, every tiny drop makes an ocean, and if we all come together and take small steps, we can do a lot more for the planet that we call our home.
It promotes tackling issues peacefully
Greenpeace encourages the usage of peaceful protests and communication to bring about a change. In a world where there is enough violence, this is a more appreciated method to tackling serious issues that concern our environment.
Encourages collective campaigning
Greenpeace is a global movement and encourages everyone sitting in any part of the world to do their bit to achieve the mission of Greenpeace. It provides a universal platform for environmental activists to come together and be the change.
Greenpeace Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 15 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 15 | Friday |
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