Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

April21–27

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week – April 21-27, 2024

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week is an annual event held during the same week as Earth Day, which happens to be on April 22.  This year, it takes place from April 21 to 27.   For decades, chemists have indeed been working to promote a peaceful future through green initiatives, phosphate-free detergents, environmental monitoring, cleaner-burning fuels, and recyclable plastics.   The American Chemical Society (A.C.S.} founded the Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (C.C.E.W.) public awareness campaign to promote the positive role that chemistry plays in the world.   It is a significant celebration of the laudable efforts toward preserving our planet.

From 2003 to 2017, this event was only one day long, but in 2018 became a whole week of activities aimed at reflecting on and discussing the importance of chemistry to the planet.

History of Chemists Celebrate Earth Week

The first-ever Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and its goal was to highlight the importance of nature and the environment. This holiday is observed worldwide now and promotes initiatives that support sustainability and ecological awareness. Chemists Celebrate Earth Day was born as a companion to this holiday in the United States and has now become Chemists Celebrate Earth Week. This event, promoted by the American Chemical Society, is celebrated all across the country by students, technicians, and businesses to promote the role chemists and chemistry play in sustainability and the planet as a whole.

Scientists are responsible for some of the most important initiatives toward making the world a greener place, being the creators and developers of recycling techniques, cleaner fuels and detergents, and environmental monitoring. Every year, the ACS chooses a specific theme to be discussed through Chemists Celebrate Earth Week. Previous themes include ‘Dive into Marine Chemistry,’ ‘Energy — It’s Everywhere!,’ and ‘Protecting Our Planet through Chemistry.’ The chosen theme for the 2023 celebration is ‘The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae.’

Anyone can plan an event or activity related to Chemists Celebrate Earth Week. They can range from speeches by skilled professionals in the area to hands-on experiences in labs or even outdoors. Other event options are community-based projects and meetings that promote healthy and productive debates on the topics of sustainability and environmental acts.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week timeline

1970
The First Earth Day

The first-ever Earth Day is celebrated worldwide.

1990
It Gains Popularity

Earth Day goes global, reaching 250 million people in over 130 countries.

2003
The First Chemists Celebrate Earth Day

The A.C.S. promotes the very first Chemists Celebrate Earth Day.

2017
Bill Nye joins the Celebration

Nye participates in the March for Science in Washington, DC.

2018
The First Chemists Celebrate Earth Week

The day becomes an entire week for the first time.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week FAQs

Where does the first usage of the word ‘Earth’ come from?

The name ‘Earth’ derives from the eighth-century Anglo-Saxon word ‘erda,’ which means ‘ground’ or ‘soil.’ The first usage came from the Hebrew word ‘éretz,’ meaning “land or ground,” which existed over 3,421 years ago.

Is Earth the fourth planet?

No. Earth is the third planet in the Solar System.

What is the real name of Earth?

Some other names for Earth include Gaia, Terra, and Tellus.

Why is our planet called Earth?

Earth is an English/German name that simply means the ground.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week Activities

  1. Attend an event

    Why not look for an event in your area and participate? There are different activities across the country for you to take on.

  2. Plant a tree

    Show the Earth a little love by planting a tree. Trees are what keep us breathing and maintain the world beautiful.

  3. Share information with others

    Make a public awareness post on social media about the holiday. Include facts about the observance to spread awareness about the gravity of the situation.

5 Facts About The Earth You’ll Love

  1. It’s not perfectly round

    Even though the Earth is round, it’s not a perfect sphere, but a very bumpy and uneven one because of gravity.

  2. It’s over four billion years old

    Scientists believe it’s about 4.5 billion years old.

  3. 69% of fresh water is ice

    Most of our fresh and potable water is in glaciers in the polar.

  4. It’s home to over eight million species

    Thus far, scientists have registered over eight million different species of plants and animals.

  5. It’s 70% ocean

    Most of the Earth’s surface is covered in saltwater.

Why We Love Chemists Celebrate Earth Week

  1. It’s all about sustainability

    It’s crucial to care for our planet, and events like these help us remember to keep our lifestyle sustainable. Also, they show us new ideas on how to be even greener.

  2. It puts chemistry in the spotlight

    Many scientists come together to work toward the good of the planet and humanity. It’s truly inspirational. Sometimes we forget about the important role chemistry plays in science. This is a great way to remember.

  3. It appreciates science

    Everything we truly understand today is the result of scientific research and experiments, from the universe's formation to the evolution of life on Earth. We must thank those who passed on this knowledge to us.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week dates

YearDateDay
2022April 17Sunday
2023April 16Sunday
2024April 21Sunday
2025April 20Sunday
2026April 19Sunday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.