It’s been happening every year since 1970, and for good reason.

Earth Day began that year to bring awareness to the environment. Considering all the challenges facing the globe, such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution and other issues, it was a noble gesture that continues to this day.

Earth Day 1970 led to the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, according to earthday.org.

In fact, many people celebrate not only Earth Day, which is April 22 each year, but the entire week.

For instance, Northern Michigan University has many events planned this week, ranging from presentations on beekeeping and fossil fuel divestment, a clothing swap, a bird feeder-making workshop and a trash pick-up, among others.

Although it’s important that people take part in such activities, these can be practiced throughout the year.

It’s just following the saying, “Earth Day, Every Day.”

If you see trash in your neighborhood, get a bag and pick it up. If you generate garbage — and that’s about everybody — recycle. If you have a garden in your yard, plant native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. If you don’t have a yard, take part in community habitat restoration projects.

Earthday.org urges people to follow this year’s theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” with citizens, businesses and governments all being accountable because “a green future is a prosperous future.”

Although there have been many environmental victories since 1970s, threats continually face the planet. That’s why a day such as Earth Day and a week such as Earth Week can act as “refreshers” of sorts to spur people to action, or at least remind them of positive ways to help Earth.

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in her proclamation of April 18-24 as Earth Week, “Protecting our planet is on all of us, and we will continue working together to tackle climate change, invest in clean energy, and safeguard Pure Michigan for generations to come.”

So, consider incorporating Earth Day practices into your everyday life. The planet will be the better for it.