April 8, 2026
Every year on April 22, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day, a time to reflect on the beauty of our planet and the responsibility we share to protect it. What began as a grassroots environmental movement has grown into a global call to action, reminding us that even small, everyday choices can have lasting impact.
A Brief History of Earth Day
The first Earth Day was held in 1970 at a time when environmental concerns were beginning to gain national attention in the United States. Industrial pollution was largely unregulated, and public awareness of environmental issues was limited. Inspired by the energy of the 1960s social movements, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin organized a nationwide “teach-in” to bring environmental issues to the forefront.
On April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans – about 10% of the U.S. population at the time – participated in rallies, educational events and demonstrations across the country. The turnout was unprecedented and sent a powerful message to policymakers. That same year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established, and landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act soon followed.
Earth Day went global in 1990, mobilizing 200 million people in more than 140 countries. Today, it is recognized in over 190 countries, making it one of the largest civic observances in the world. Each year brings a renewed focus on urgent environmental challenges, from climate change to plastic pollution.
Why Sustainability Matters
At its core, Earth Day is about awareness. It encourages us to pause and consider how our habits (what we consume, how we travel, how we use energy) affect the environment. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, our well-being is deeply connected to the health of the planet. Sustainability is simply the practice of caring for these resources so that they remain available not just for us, but for future generations.
Everyday Ways to Live More Sustainably
Sustainability doesn’t require sweeping, dramatic changes to make a difference. In fact, some of the most meaningful actions are the simplest:
- Reduce and reuse: Choose reusable bags, bottle sand containers instead of single-use plastics.
- Recycle mindfully: Learn your local recycling guidelines to ensure items are disposed of properly.
- Conserve energy: Turn off lights when not in use, switch to LED bulbs and unplug devices that aren’t needed.
- Save water: Take shorter showers, fix leaks promptly and run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
- Make thoughtful food choices: Plan meals to reduce waste, store food properly and consider incorporating more plant-based options.
- Support local: Buy from local farmers and businesses to reduce transportation emissions and support your community.
- Get outside and give back: Participate in neighborhood clean-ups, plant flowers or trees or start your own garden.
Surrounded By Nature, Determined to Protect It
Sustainability is one of the core shared values of all Kendal communities. At Lathrop, set amidst an expansive natural landscape, residents have daily access to hundreds of acres of preserved land, including the neighboring Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. This close connection to nature inspires a shared commitment to protecting and preserving the environment for years to come.
A cornerstone of these efforts is Lathrop Land, an initiative led by the Land Conservation Committee. Through this program, residents and volunteers work to remove invasive species, introduce native plantings, care for walking trails and host educational programs like guided nature walks and bird watching outings. These activities not only enhance the beauty of the campus but also support local ecosystems, including pollinators and bird populations. Many of these programs and events are open to the broader community, encouraging wider participation and awareness.
Sustainability at Lathrop is truly a collective effort. Residents and staff collaborate on a wide range of environmentally conscious practices designed to reduce the community’s overall footprint. These include accessible recycling and composting programs, expanded use of electric vehicle charging stations and ongoing exploration of renewable energy options such as solar power.
The campus itself reflects this commitment. Future development plans emphasize environmentally responsible building practices and energy-efficient technologies. Community gardens provide fresh produce that is incorporated into dining services, while the culinary team prioritizes locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
With miles of scenic walking trails and partnerships with regional conservation organizations, Lathrop fosters a lifestyle where environmental stewardship is part of everyday life. The result is a community that not only enjoys the natural world but actively works to sustain it.
A Shared Responsibility
Perhaps most importantly, Earth Day reminds us that sustainability is not about perfection, it’s about intention. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Each mindful choice, no matter how small, contributes to a larger, collective effort to protect the world we all call home.
As we celebrate Earth Day this year, let it serve as both a reminder and an invitation to appreciate the natural world around us and to take steps, however modest, toward preserving it for generations to come.
Choose renewed life at Lathrop.