Every April since 1970, Americans have been celebrating Earth Day and recognizing the importance of protecting Earth’s natural resources for future generations. The eResources in the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) offer articles on a wide range of topics related to Earth Day that include biodiversity, climate change, deforestation, pollution, recycling, renewable energy, sustainability, and dozens more.

The importance of Earth Day and the positive results of the first Earth Day celebration in 1970 have been felt by Americans for over 5 decades. An article in the April 2023 edition of EcoNews reminds us of the importance of the first Earth Day, as the development of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air Act resulted within a year of that initial celebration. Ultimately, a 66.9 percent decrease in air pollution has been realized because of these landmark changes.

In observance of Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22, consider sharing the eResources in MeL with the students in your life.

Elementary

There are two sections that stand out in PebbleGo Social Studies. Helping the Environment has read-aloud articles on Cleaning up Litter, Composting, Reusing and Recycling, and Saving Water. Additionally, under Holidays there is an article on the activities and history associated with Earth Day. In the eBook K-8 Collection students are introduced to recycling in the title, Go Green by Recycling, and enjoy some Earth-Friendly Earth Day Crafts from the eBook Public Library Collection.

Middle School

Zero Waste Kids, also from the eBook Public Library Collection, explains the process for making recycled paper as well as ideas for repurposing materials and building a compost bin. Under the Earth’s environment at a glance in Britannica School Middle, there are several curated lists of linked content on Climate, Ecological Concerns, Environmental Issues, Planet Earth, and related Biographies.

High School

Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints showcases a wide range of content including videos, audio files, images, viewpoints, and articles such as “Debunking the ‘Recycling Myth’, Starting with Its Symbol” which highlights one woman’s quest to firm up labeling laws. Lastly, Earth Day & the Environmental Movement from the eBook High School Collection delivers a detailed history of what led to Earth Day and the progress and failures since.

These eResources are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep exploring to get ready for April 22!

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact [email protected] for help.