- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ConservationEducationalEnvironment
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 31
- Holiday emoji:
- 🔬
National Diatomaceous Earth Day recognizes the versatile product known as D.E. every August 31. This day introduces people to the myriad uses and benefits of this natural substance, from filtering pools to organic pest control. Explore how diatomaceous earth impacts your daily life, share its uses with others, and learn about its fascinating origins.
Want to sponsor National Diatomaceous Earth Day? Learn how
Expected National Diatomaceous Earth Day Deals
While National Diatomaceous Earth Day isn’t typically marked by widespread commercial deals, it serves as an excellent opportunity for brands and organizations to highlight the product’s value. Expect educational campaigns from suppliers like Diatomaceous Earth Co. and Perma-Guard, often featuring discounts on bulk food-grade D.E. for home and garden use. Retailers specializing in natural pest control or pool filtration, such as those carrying Garden Safe products or Filter-Ag Plus media, may offer special promotions or informational workshops. Nonprofits advocating for sustainable practices might launch awareness drives, encouraging consumers to explore eco-friendly alternatives. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and educational resources as August 31 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Diatomaceous Earth Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #DiatomaceousEarthDay. Share insights on D.E.’s industrial applications or sustainable business practices.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #DiatomaceousEarthDay. Tweet fascinating facts about diatoms or share news on environmental uses of D.E.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DiatomaceousEarthDay. Post educational graphics or host a Q&A about D.E.’s household benefits.
National Diatomaceous Earth Day Hero
Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg
History of National Diatomaceous Earth Day
Though diatomaceous earth is used in our household, many are unaware of what it is. Diatomaceous earth is created from ‘diatoms,’ microalgae with a single cell. These diatoms are crucial for our planet as they are responsible for about 75% of the world’s oxygen, and there is more to its uses. After they die, they fall into the bottom of the water, and all that is left is their opal skeletons known as frustules. These frustules go on to form diatomaceous earth. D.E. is found in a sedimentary rock formation that can crumble easily into a white or off-white powder. While diatomaceous earth is formed today and can be found in various countries, including the United States, Chile, Peru, and China. It is known to have existed for centuries. And yes, it was used by people in ancient times too! For instance, ancient Greeks used diatomaceous earth as an abrasive and as a building material for bricks. They used D.E. without really identifying what it was or how it originated. In prehistoric times, diatomite was used in the ice-age cave paintings in France.
The real discovery was made in 1836 in Germany when Peter Kasten discovered it while he was sinking a well. He studied D.E. and noticed that it could absorb, filtrate, polish, and stabilize. In its properties, he found a product that many industries would soon invest millions to retrieve. Owing to the importance of D.E., EP Minerals, a leading company in diatomaceous earth, declared August 31 National Diatomaceous Earth Day in 2016.
National Diatomaceous Earth Day timeline
D.E. is extracted from Neuohe.
The American Diatomite Corporation refines 145 tons of D.E. every year.
The first pesticide products containing diatomaceous earth are registered.
EP Minerals declares August 31 National Diatomaceous Earth Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Diatomaceous Earth Day
Local businesses can honor National Diatomaceous Earth Day by educating customers on its diverse applications. Garden supply stores can host workshops on organic pest control using D.E., while pool and spa retailers can highlight D.E. filtration systems. Natural health stores might offer information on food-grade D.E. supplements. Consider creating special displays or informative flyers to raise awareness about this versatile product.
National Diatomaceous Earth Day FAQs
When is National Diatomaceous Earth Day?
National Diatomaceous Earth Day 2026 is observed on Monday, August 31. This day highlights the many benefits and uses of D.E. in our daily lives.
What is diatomaceous earth made of?
Diatomaceous earth (D.E.) is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white powder. It is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are single-celled algae with intricate silica shells.
How is diatomaceous earth used?
Diatomaceous earth has a wide range of uses, including as a filtration aid in water and beverages, a mild abrasive in products like toothpaste, a natural insecticide, and a component in cat litter. Food-grade D.E. is also used as a dietary supplement.
Is diatomaceous earth safe?
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe for human and animal consumption in specified amounts. However, industrial-grade D.E. (often used in pool filters) is calcined and contains crystalline silica, which can be harmful if inhaled.
National Diatomaceous Earth Day Activities
Buy some D.E.
If you really want to celebrate National Diatomaceous Earth Day, head out to the store and buy some D.E.! Also figure out ways you can use it in your household; for instance, as a pesticide in your garden.
Find out more about it
Do you know everything there is to know about diatomaceous earth? Probably not! Well, now is the perfect opportunity to Google all about it and find out how it is formed and the minerals it contains.
Create awareness
Now that you know all the important facts about diatomaceous earth, it is time to spread the knowledge! Share a post about D.E. and why the mineral is important.
5 Interesting Facts About Diatomaceous Earth
A healthful mineral
Its exact role is not clear, but D.E. appears to be important for bone health.
Registered uses
It can be used against bed bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders, and other pests.
Used in alcohol
Diatomaceous earth can be used as a clarifier for wine and beer.
The largest deposit
The largest deposit of D.E. is in northern Santa Barbara County, California.
Diatomaceous earth and fish
It is non-toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Why We Love National Diatomaceous Earth Day
It is informative
We love National Diatomaceous Earth Day because it spreads awareness and information about diatomaceous earth and how it can be used in the household. Because of this, we know how important and safe D.E. is.
Represents a safe alternative
We buy so many chemical-based products from stores for daily use. But why should we release so many chemicals in the air and waste plastic when we have diatomaceous earth?
Best way to tackle bugs
Are you one of those people who are petrified of bugs? If yes, you will love this day because it provides information on how diatomaceous earth can help you get rid of these creepy crawlies.
Social Media Tips for National Diatomaceous Earth Day
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