EARTH DAY

ORLANDO, Fla. — “What do you love about Florida’s environment?”That was the theme of this year’s art contest hosted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in honor of Earth Day 2022. The Florida DEP invited students from fourth to 12th grades to think about their favorite memories and experiences in Florida’s natural areas. A finalist in each age category was selected from DEP district offices, and the finalists’ art was sent to the Tallahassee office, where DEP staff selected a state winner for each age group. The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and has since been recognized annually on April 22. This year’s international Earth Day theme is “Invest in our Planet.”Read: Floridians encouraged to get out and garden with free starter seed packetsFloridians and visitors alike are encouraged to visit DEP’s Earth Day 2022 webpage for inspiration on how to celebrate Florida’s environment year-round, and for steps to take to protect our valuable natural resources.

The White House plan to accelerate battery production is part of a broader effort to shift the country away from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles.

The Energy Department said its new energy-efficiency standards will save consumers $3 billion each year in utility costs.

While we set aside one day a year to celebrate Earth Day and focus on ways each of us can protect our planet, there are things we can do every day that are simple and meaningful.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County hosted several events to celebrate Earth Day this week. WATCH: ‘Political retribution’: Demings denounces decision to strip Disney’s self-governing powerThe Mosquito Control Department kicked off the festivities on Tuesday. They showcased some of their airboats and equipment used to control algae blooms and the mosquito population. Photos: Orange County hosts a week full of events to celebrate Earth DayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Orange County hosts a week full of events to celebrate Earth DayThe department wants to ensure the community is in good hands when it comes to mosquitos. WATCH: ‘C’ you soon: Here’s when Terminal C at OIA opens“We have to spray neighborhoods to control it,” said Orange County Mosquito Control manager Steve Harrison.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — To celebrate Earth Day, the largest mall in the U.S. decided that the best way to eliminate insect pests was to release ladybugs -- thousands of them. >> Read more trending newsChildren dumped buckets of ladybugs early Friday at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, KARE-TV reported. The ladybugs were set free on the live plants at the mall’s Nickelodeon Universe, according to the television station. According to the mall’s website, more than 100,000 ladybugs are released onto the facility’s more than 30,000 plants. “This allows for biological control as the aphids are attracted to jasmine shrubs and Abicolas,” mall officials wrote on their website.

ORLANDO, Fla. — In celebration of Earth Day, Lime launched a new fleet of e-scooters that it said provides a smoother, safer, and more sustainable ride. Lime debuted the Gen4 E-Scooters at the Earth Day Work Day event in Orlando on Friday. “Lime is thrilled to bring the best e-scooters around to Orlando, celebrating Earth Day by making our operations here more sustainable. These new e-scooters will offer a smoother and more sustainable rider experience and they’ll decrease street clutter and promote safety, " said Jad Hayek, Lime operations manager. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Lime - GEN4 - E-ScootersAccording to a release from Lime, the new GEN4 scooter will provide riders with the smoothest and most environmentally friendly shared scooter ride available.

In honor of Earth Day, which was Friday, "The Weekly" dives into what's happening at the local level to protect Florida's environment.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County has been showcasing its dedication to a better economic future this week. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival, Melbourne Art Festival and moreThe county celebrated this year’s event Friday on the front lawn of the county administration building. The celebration included native plant tours, test drives of electric fleet vehicles, as well as various vegan food options and vendors. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Orange County showcases sustainability programs during Earth Day celebrationOrange County officials said the key to a cleaner Earth is to recycle. “We don’t want you to stick it in the plastic bin, just stick the items in by itself.”READ: Earth Day 2022: What you need to know and how to helpThe goal of Orange County’s sustainability initiative is to fully commit to spreading environmental awareness.

Here are some of the most interesting and powerful photo stories from across the internet.View Entire Post ›

According to EPA, the average American produces around 4.5 pounds of trash each day.

According to EPA, the average American produces around 4.5 pounds of trash each day.

A weekend of clean water events kicked off on Earth Day with a group planting 100,000 clams in the Banana River.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The City of Orlando celebrated Earth Day outside of City Hall on Friday. And to celebrate and to make sure that everyone is doing their part.”Photos: Orlando celebrates ‘Earth Day Work Day’ projects at City HallExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Orlando celebrates ‘Earth Day Work Day’ projects at City HallOrlando’s “Earth Day Work Day” is a sustainability fair that features games, giveaways, vendors, and music. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival, Melbourne Art Festival and moreEarth Day Work Day is sponsored by the Downtown Development Board, Piedmont Office Realty Trust and Impress Ink. @citybeautiful's Earth Day Work Day helped showcase how we all can contribute to creating a greener future for Orlando. READ: Earth Day 2022: What you need to know and how to helpMore information on Earth Day Work Day can be found here.

To mark this Earth Day, 60 Minutes looks back on our reporting on climate change and the environment over the years.

That "vegan" shampoo in a bottle "made of recycled materials" might not be as eco-friendly as you think.

You probably already recycle, and it’s absolutely an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, but are there any more things you could be doing around the house to be a little bit more green?

With Earth Day 2021 rapidly approaching, Google Earth has released a feature that might really open some eyes when it comes to how certain parts of the globe have changed in recent decades.

If you’re like me, you’re always thinking of ways that you can live your life a little bit more “green.”

Earth -- isn’t it a great place to live?

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of dogs in Central Florida need your help. Marion County Animal Services recently announced its shelter is packed with more than 130 dogs who need loving homes. READ: Here’s how to celebrate Earth Day 2022 in Central Florida“We want to provide the opportunity for Marion County citizens to come to our facility and add a best friend to their family,” Animal Services Director Jim Sweet said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 25 Marion County Animal Services waives adoption fees (Marion County Animal Services)Interested residents are encouraged to visit the county’s Animal Services to find a pet that’s a good fit. Photos: Dogs looking for ‘furever’ homes in Marion County:The adoption shelter is located at 5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala.

We asked one of the original Earth Day organizers for ideas on how to bring back urgency to the movement during a moment that’s more dire than ever

America's oldest trees store vast amounts of carbon. Counting them is the first step to preserving them, says the Biden administration.

ORLANDO, Fla. — We’ll have partly cloudy and windy conditions in Central Florida on Friday. Daytime highs will be around 81 degrees. READ: Here’s how to celebrate Earth Day 2022 in Central FloridaThe rain chance stays very low once again. With our winds, our seas are still elevated and the rip current risk remains high. READ: Troopers: 500 pounds of marijuana found on highway after crashThe fire threat is elevated too.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando residents, breathe a sigh of relief. Orlando was ranked as one of the cleanest cities for short-term particle pollution for the sixth consecutive State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. While Orlando did get high marks for short-term particle pollution, its rankings were “mixed” for particle pollution and ozone pollution, some of the most harmful and widespread types of air pollution, the news release states. Both ozone and particle pollution can cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm. Particle pollution can also cause lung cancer,” Ashley Lyerly, Senior Director of Advocacy for Florida for the Lung Association said in a news release.

This Friday marks the 52-year anniversary of the first Earth Day celebration back in 1970, and while we've come a long way, we still have a long way to go to combat the planet heating up to the degree it has been.

ORLANDO, Fla. — In honor of Earth Day, AAA is offering tips to help people to travel more sustainably. The tips focus on how to maintain travel and tourism without hurting or exploiting natural or cultural environments in the process. Here’s how AAA says you can travel in a more eco-friendly way:• Reduce carbon footprint by bringing reusable water and toiletry bottles. • Travel during the off-season or to less popular areas to limit infrastructure challenges created by over-tourism. “Research has shown over time and particularly now that enjoying the outdoors is one of the top reasons people travel,” said Debbie Haas, vice-president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in a statement.

This oil spill in Santa Monica was the worst in U.S. waters at the time.

Food waste As part of its efforts to reduce food waste, Walt Disney World is tweaking the way it plans menus and recycles scraps. Earth Day kicks off Friday. READ: Disney’s debt is about to be Central Florida taxpayers’ problemHere’s your guide to Earth Day events in our area. ORLANDOCentral Florida Earth Day, the largest and longest-running Earth Day festival in Central Florida, returns to Lake Eola Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PALM COASTRide, roll or walk for Earth Day and Trail Day on the A1A.

U.S. officials warn about potential Russian cyberattacks on American soil; CEO Herbert Diess on the future of Volkswagen; Companies racing to develop eVTOL "air taxis"

As Earth Day approaches, this documentary will have you looking at trees in a completely different way.

As Earth Day approaches, this documentary will have you looking at trees in a completely different way.

Walt Disney World is preparing to celebrate Earth Day at its Animal Kingdom theme park.

Orlando residents can order up to two free trees from the city of Orlando in honor of Earth Day, April 22. Residents who live within...

Here's how you can help save, preserve and celebrate our planet around Central Florida this Earth Day.

Friday marks Earth Day, and according to data released by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2018, the recycling rate in the U.S. was 32.1%, down from 34.5% in 2015.

The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline spiked 13 cents over the past two weeks, to $3.44 per gallon.

It won't be quite the usual Earth Day proper observance but better late than never, we guess. WJRR's annual Earthday Birthday rock fest is confirmed...

Volunteers got a chance to connect with the earth by planting 51 native Oak trees at Independence Park on Friday.

Central Florida Earth Day has returned to Orlando for its 16th annual celebration. Earth Day is brought to you by Vegetarians of Central Florida. The social and...

Water levels near the nation's capital are rising faster than almost anywhere else on the East Coast.

Today, as billions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day, I want to acknowledge Department of Justice attorneys, investigators, and professional staff who work every day to advance the cause of justice by enforcing those laws. Although environmental crime and injustice can happen anywhere, communities of color, low-income communities, and tribal communities often bear the highest burden of the harm caused by environmental crime, pollution, and climate change. Earlier this week, I was proud to join EPA Administrator Michael Regan in announcing the nation’s first-ever Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Program. On this 51st Earth Day celebration, we honor our mission by advancing the cause of environmental justice. Read the Attorney General’s remarks at the DOJ-EPA Listening Session on Promoting Justice for Victims of Environmental Crime here.

You’ve heard the old saying“timing is everything,” right? ⏳⏲

The consequences that come with deforestation affect everything from nutrition to infections.

NASA scientists, astronauts and musician Shawn Mendes teamed up this Earth Day to remind us how planet Earth connects us all.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is making a ‘major’ environmental announcement Thursday morning, according to the governor’s office.

Planting a tree sounds like a nice idea in theory, but what if you’re not sure what kind to plant, or where to put it? What if you live in a downtown apartment and you just don’t know what would be most helpful?

There’s often no place like home, although that sentiment can sometimes fade when a house starts to rack up energy bills and breaks down in places over the course of time.

The mayors of a dozen major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York City and San Diego, are asking President Joe Biden to consult them as the administration studies how to identify and resettle people displaced by drought, rising seas and other effects of climate change.

Earth Day 2021 is here and the folks at Google hope it plants a tree in your heart with this adorable Google doodle.

Warm and sunny -- enjoy the day!

While many understandably focus on recycling during Earth Day, “upcycling” can be just as valuable of a preservation tool.

Earth Day puts a spotlight on the planet’s health, and often makes us think about what we can do to help out.

Every year on April 22 Earth Day is observed around the globe.

Way back in 1970, April 22 was selected as the first “Earth Day.”

Looking to do something in honor of Earth Day? It can feel daunting, like, “What could I possibly do that will help the planet?”

The Lone Star state is quickly becoming the blueprint for a new type of blue-collar worker.

The pandemic can’t stop Ziggy Marley from celebrating the Earth.

The White House will mark Earth Day this week by hosting international leaders for a virtual climate summit. But three countries that experts say are fueling the immigration crisis at the southern border aren't on the list. CBS News climate and energy reporter Cara Korte joins "CBSN AM" with more.

Want to get outside? Or are you looking to plan a little getaway? The country’s national parks are incredible places to consider.

For the 51st celebration of Earth Day, CBS News correspondents span the globe to report on the state of our planet. From Nairobi to New York Harbor, we'll show you how our environment is being affected by climate change and what steps are being taken to help heal the planet. Tune in all week for our in-depth coverage.

Walt Disney World is offering a number of special opportunities for guests to get up-close with nature this month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

NASA and Lego announced the toy company's new "Build a Planet" activity on Wednesday (April 22), the 50th annual Earth Day. "The Lego Group is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by asking builders to think globally," the company said in a statement. Today's challenge is to Build A Planet... Earth, or beyond!" Todays #LetsBuildTogether challenge is to BUILD A PLANET... Earth or beyond! The Earth Day Build A Planet challenge continues the partnership between NASA and Lego that has included astronauts assembling Lego kits on the International Space Station and Lego minifigures being launched to Jupiter on board NASA's Juno probe .

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Department of Justices Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) celebrated its latest accomplishments and reflected on half a century of the divisions impact on environmental and natural resource law in the United States. Fifty years ago, on April 22, 1970, over 20 million people participated in a wide variety of public gatherings as part of the nations first Earth Day. From coast to coast, the American people provided a powerful civic response to environmental degradation and a clear demand for broad national measures to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. The achievements described in the report continue to highlight ENRDs efforts to advance environmental values since the first Earth Day in 1970. Watch a Video about ENRDs history since the first Earth Day here .

ORLANDO, Fla. – The argument could be made that every day should be Earth Day, but if you’re new to the environmentally conscious scene, a national day of observation is a great place to start. Below you’ll find five of the easiest ways you can be a little more ecologically responsible on Earth Day and beyond. Reduce your water and energy useThis might be one of the easiest ways on this entire list to help the environment. Appliances that carry the seal have been rated to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Make some meatless mealsAccording to the Earth Institute at Columbia University, eating low on the food chain is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment, but what does that mean?

Our satellites in space gathering data and images of our home planet unite us in ways that are more important now than ever. From space, we see Earth as one comprehensive system with complex interactions among land, ocean, ice and atmosphere. Celebrate our planet with these online activitiesMore: How Apollo 8's 'Earthrise' photo helped spark the first Earth DayAt NASA, we have 20 Earth-observation missions on orbit, including instruments aboard the International Space Station . Indeed, one can argue that the knowledge of our Earth generated from satellites represents one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time. All of us will continue to share the same air and the same destiny as humans aboard this spaceship we call Earth.

The roots of Earth Day extend all the way out to the moon. Among other results, that momentum led to the first Earth Day, which was celebrated 50 years ago today, on April 22, 1970. Earth Day is now celebrated all over the world; it went global in 1990. And, while the coronavirus pandemic has made this year's Earth Day a mostly online experience, there are still lots of ways to participate. Find the right digital event for you via this search tool produced by the Earth Day Network.

Volusia County unveiled the contents of a 25-year-old time capsule the was buried for Earth Day in 1995 in front of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center in DeLand on Wednesday. DELAND A lot has changed in Volusia County over the past 25 years. That was also the year Volusia County officials lowered a container of memorabilia from the era into the ground at the foot of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center in DeLand as part of the countys Earth Day celebration. On Wednesday, as part of this years Earth Day event, county officials dug up the time capsule and removed its contents, as they readied another to be filled with items of note from 2020, to take the emptied containers place below ground. Twenty-five years ago, AOL and Prodigy offered access to the World Wide Web for the first time and "gas was $1.99," said Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald, just before unearthing the time capsule buried two years before he began working for the county government.

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day was destined to be a worldwide celebration. The Earth Day Network has an online database that people can search to find digital events across the world. Phillip Thompson, organizer for Seattle University's Earth Month, told USA TODAY he's excited to share an interview with Earth Day co-founder Denis Hayes. Hayes coordinated the first U.S. Earth Day in 1970 and expanded it internationally in 1990. He is on the board of directors for Earth Day Network and is president of the Bullitt Foundation.

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day was destined to be a worldwide celebration. The Earth Day Network has an online database that people can search to find digital events across the world. Phillip Thompson, organizer for Seattle University's Earth Month, told USA TODAY he's excited to share an interview with Earth Day co-founder Denis Hayes. Hayes coordinated the first U.S. Earth Day in 1970 and expanded it internationally in 1990. He is on the board of directors for Earth Day Network and is president of the Bullitt Foundation.

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day was destined to be a worldwide celebration. The Earth Day Network has an online database that people can search to find digital events across the world. Phillip Thompson, organizer for Seattle University's Earth Month, told USA TODAY he's excited to share an interview with Earth Day co-founder Denis Hayes. Hayes coordinated the first U.S. Earth Day in 1970 and expanded it internationally in 1990. He is on the board of directors for Earth Day Network and is president of the Bullitt Foundation.

Have you ever celebrated Earth Day, perhaps by planting a tree or doing something good for the environment? Considering the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic, the Earth Day Network has announced a shift to “global digital mobilizations.”It’ll be Digital Earth Day! Earth Day Network will provide live coverage of these “global digital mobilizations," which you can follow on its social media accounts. But organizers still want to “mobilize millions in a call for transformative action for our planet.”“At Earth Day Network, the health and safety of volunteers and participants in Earth Day events is our top concern. That’s now been postponed to October 24-25, 2020 to mark the half birthday of Earth Day.

Most of us won't be venturing into the great outdoors on Wednesday (April 22), but you can still celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in style. (Image credit: NASA/NOAA)"Fifty years ago, people around the world celebrated the first Earth Day (April 22, 1970). "As we plan for Earth Day 2020, NASA continues that outreach to young people and their mentors by pulling together various resources from across the agency into this online Earth Day Toolkit," they added. You can find the right online Earth Day event for you via a search tool produced by the Earth Day Network . Happy hunting, and happy Earth Day!

Have you ever celebrated Earth Day, perhaps by planting a tree or doing something good for the environment? Considering the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic, the Earth Day Network has announced a shift to “global digital mobilizations.”It’ll be Digital Earth Day! Earth Day Network will provide live coverage of these “global digital mobilizations," which you can follow on its social media accounts. But organizers still want to “mobilize millions in a call for transformative action for our planet.”“At Earth Day Network, the health and safety of volunteers and participants in Earth Day events is our top concern. That’s now been postponed to October 24-25, 2020 to mark the half birthday of Earth Day.

Charles Osgood looks at some notable events of the week ahead, including the deadline for filing your 2015 income taxes, President Obama's overseas trip to Saudi Arabia, Britain and Germany, and Earth Day.

Ahead of Earth Day, the president wants America to focus on the dangers of global warming

McDonald's suffers first quarter sales slump The fast food chain blames severe weather and steeper competition in the U.S., plus Netflix raises prices and Google launches Earth Day challenge on today's MoneyWatch report.