There’s a holiday for pretty much everything: International Day of Friendship, National French Fry Day, Hug Your Cat Day – honestly, this should be a daily thing – and even an International Nose Picking Day! This just goes to show how much we love to celebrate what matters to us.
On a greener, more environmentally-friendly note, such holidays are also observed to raise awareness for the proper caring of our ecology, biodiversity, and the planet as a whole. Usually spearheaded by intergovernmental organisations and advocacy groups, environmental days are designed to spotlight pressing global issues and make everyone from walks of life – from the advocates to the average joes – care and act for the betterment of one or multiple aspects of natural life.
As we welcome March, we also look forward to various environmental days sprinkled throughout the month. In fact, Earth Hour, one of the most widely-observed events for the planet in recent years, is happening on March 25, from 8:30 to 9:30 at night.
If you want to be in the know so you can do your part for Mother Earth this month, we’ve compiled most of the globally-observed environmental days in March. Read on and save these dates!
Which dates are important for the environment this March?
While we aim to give an extensive compilation of dates, it’s up to you how you want to observe and celebrate on these dates. You can connect with local organisers to participate in their programs. Perhaps you can start your own initiative if that’s what your heart is telling you to do. Otherwise, simple acts such as educating yourself more, becoming more conscious of your choices, or practising sustainability your way – like choosing clothes made of bamboo over harmful synthetic fabrics – are sure to make an impact already.
And with that, without further ado, here’s a detailed list of environmental days to observe this March:
March 3: World Wildlife Day
Wild animals and plants take centre stage on World Wildlife Day. Dubbed “the most important global annual event dedicated to wildlife” by the UN, it’s the perfect time for humanity to reflect and appreciate their help in maintaining ecological balance, as well as be made aware of the many atrocities committed against them.
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2023 is ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’, which honours the collaborative conservation efforts done across the globe. The official World Wildlife Day website also states that this year’s celebration is very special because the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) marks its 50th year since signing in 1973.
Related article: World Wildlife Day
March 11: Solar Appreciation Day
This event is meant to amplify the call to switch to solar energy technology. If you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills and your carbon footprint, consider purchasing solar panels. Who knows, some may be on sale in observance of this day!
March 14: International Day of Action for Rivers
Rivers nowadays are in a dire state. They’re polluted and unconducive to marine life, plus they face constant threats of industrialisation projects worsening their health. However, this wasn’t always the case. If we look at history, civilizations thrived around rivers. Surely, these bodies of water deserve better care and upkeep.
To lobby for the protection of rivers, advocates observe the International Day of Action for Rivers, which is celebrating its 26th year this 2023. To find out how you can be a river warrior in your area, click here.
March 18: Global Recycling Day
This annual event promotes the practice and impact of recycling, urging people to see their things as resources that could still be repurposed instead of tossing them in the bin. Watch the countdown clock to Global Recycling Day here and get to know more about the initiative in the process.
Related article: Global Recycling Day
March 19: Taxonomist Appreciation Day
If you know a taxonomist, thank them for their hard work on Taxonomist Appreciation Day. They’re responsible for the naming and classification of all living organisms – crucial tasks that must be done to enrich our understanding of the natural world.
March 20: World Rewilding Day
Initiated by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, World Rewilding Day pushes for the natural healing of the environment without human intervention. This means letting nature take its course as wildlife reclaim their rightful spaces on the land and the seas. Celebrate this day by getting involved in local rewilding efforts, attending talks, or reading more about rewilding.
March 21: International Day of Forests, World Planting Day, World Wood Day
Now more than ever, our forests need the utmost care and attention as deforestation, fires, and droughts devastate them. Despite these threats, they continue to play a vital role in sustaining our health by purifying water, air, and being a constant source of food and medicines. Hence, the theme for this year’s International Day of Forests is "Forests and health” since, as the UN puts it, “healthy forests will bring healthy people”.
Coinciding with this event is World Planting Day, which also happens to fall at the start of astronomical spring. On this day, why don’t you plant whatever you can? Exercise those gardening skills and plant a tree or a flower plant, or start your own self-sufficient vegetable garden.
Completing the jam-packed March 21st is World Wood Day – a day to reflect on the usefulness and importance of wood as a natural resource. Many advocates push for the use of wood as a more eco-friendly option for raw material in product manufacturing versus its artificial contemporaries.
March 22: World Water Day
Everyone deserves clean and safe water – this is a basic human right. On World Water Day, mobilise for clean water for all and call for swift action to solve the water sanitation crisis happening around the globe.
March 25, 8:30 - 9:30 P.M.: Earth Hour
This global movement invites people and businesses to shut off their power for one hour – that’s it. Within that one hour, participants can pause from the hustle and bustle of life and do something helpful for the planet for a change. Some suggestions include planting a tree, preparing a meal made with sustainably-grown ingredients, and attending an Earth Hour event in your area.
Other dates to remember:
- March 15: World Consumer Rights Day; Buzzards Day
- March 16: National Panda Day
- March 20: World Sparrow Day; World Frog Day
- March 22: International Seal Day
- March 29: Manatee Appreciation Day
- March 23: World Meteorological Day
Doing something good for the environment? Make it a daily thing!
Now that you’ve saved these dates, keep in mind that doing something good for Mother Earth can be a daily habit. Start by becoming more conscious of your purchasing choices and looking for sustainably-made options. When it comes to your wardrobe, revamp it with the bamboo apparel brand Kualesa so you can be stylishly eco-conscious. Add to cart today!
References:
- 1st World Rewilding Day on the 20th of March 2021 – The sun equinox. UN Decade on Restoration. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/stories/1st-world-rewilding-day-20th-march-2021-sun-equinox-0
- Environmental events-global eco calendar of sustainable events. Environmental Events-Global Eco Calendar of Sustainable Events. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from http://www.globalstewards.org/environmental-calendar.htm#:~:text=International%20Day%20of%20Forests%20%2D%20held,raise%20awareness%20about%20climate%20change
- Join one of the world's largest movements for Nature: Earth hour 2023. Join One Of The World's Largest Movements for Nature | Earth Hour 2023. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.earthhour.org/
- Join us for the 26th anniversary of the International Day of Action For Rivers! March 14, 2023. International Rivers. (2023, February 16). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.internationalrivers.org/take-action/international-day-of-action-for-rivers/
- Join us in celebrating partnerships for conservation. World Wildlife Day. (2023, February 15). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.wildlifeday.org/en
- The most important environmental days of the Year. The most important environmental days of the year. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://climeworks.com/blog-environmental-dates-calendar
- Peter Canty. (2017, March 18). World taxonomist appreciation day! Know Our Plants. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://know.ourplants.org/news/world-taxonomist-appreciation-day/
- Solar appreciation day - march 11, 2023. Solar Appreciation Day - March 11, 2023. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.internationaldays.co/event/solar-appreciation-day/r/rectScB5yxo46rwoB#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20we%20celebrate%20Solar,about%20solar%20energy%20and%20technology
- Taxonomist Appreciation day 19 march 2017. Western Australian Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://museum.wa.gov.au/explore/blogs/linette-umbrello/taxonomist-appreciation-day-19-march-2017
- United Nations. (n.d.). International Day of Forests. United Nations. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day
- United Nations. (n.d.). World Water Day. United Nations. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day
- Weird national days around the world. InsureandGo Australia. (2021, November 24). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.insureandgo.com.au/travel-hub/weird-national-days/
- World planting day - march 21, 2023. World Planting Day - March 21, 2023. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.internationaldays.co/event/world-planting-day/r/rec6wWqCJ2dn3IqJ1#:~:text=March%2021st%20is%20also,of%20Spring%20to%20celebrate%20them%3F
- World Wood Day. Muddy Faces. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://muddyfaces.co.uk/events/world-wood-day#:~:text=%22World%20Wood%20Day%20is%20a,through%20biodiversity%20and%20forest%20conservation
