Earth Day is April 22nd, and over 500 million people in 175 countries will participate this year.  That leaves 5.5 billion people with other things on their minds.  And sure, some are probably thinking about things like disease, war, and famine.  But what about the people  thinking about Hummers, housing developments, and how much stuff they can buy?  For them, we have five inspiring Earth Day celebrations to show doubters why it is important to honor the environment.

Thailand

Just north of Bangkok, the Wat Phra Dhammakaya Monastery has one of the coolest Earth Days on the planet.  100,000 monks from 20,000 temples make offerings of necessities to promote peace on earth.  In 2008, in honor of co-operation between Sri Lanka and Thailand, Abbot Dhammajayo of the monastery sent 222 Buddha statues to 222 temples in Sri Lanka.  So if you feel a little more peaceful this Earth Day you know who to thank!

Nigeria

For Earth Day 2008, the Waste Management Society of Nigeria launched a public-awareness campaign “encouraging citizens to stop littering and educating them on sustainable practices.”  To keep in pace with the rest of the world, the environmental citizens called on the Lago State Government to support eco-policies.  Well done, Africa!

Buenos Aires

On Earth Day 2008,  more than 10,000 people gathered to celebrate at the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas in Buenos Aires.  They took yoga classes, watched short documentaries on climate change, and danced to music with a conscience.  No word if anyone tangoed around the Plaza – though an Earth Day dance from the birthplace of tango could be awesome.

Monaco

This Earth Day will bring the 3rd annual Monaco Earth Day Swim, a 2.5 km open water swim from the Port de Fontvieille, past Monte Carlo to the Beach.  A wetsuit is required.  Don’t want to swim in the open water?  You can also kayak.  2008’s swim brought swimmers from over five nationalities to the event.  This year’s event is supposed to bring over 100 swimmers!  

Chicago

Last Earth Day, more than 40,000 people celebrated at the Lincoln Park Zoo, breaking attendance records for the establishment.  Artists performing for the crowd included Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead, Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers, Scott Murawski of Max Creek. 

Over 26 environmental non-profits and green companies were in attendance.  What’s more, the Earth Day Network and financial supporter Chase selected Percy L. Julian High School to receive a complete green makeover.  

And if all these fantastic celebrations fail to inspire, maybe this will help.  Here’s a take on Earth Day from our friends at The Urban Blah, created especially for Greenopia readers.  Happy Earth Day!!

>> Check out Greenopia's Beverage Guide to find out which companies are pulling their sustainable weight!