Celebrate Earth Day with Alpha Coffee as we dive into the origins of one of the largest civic events in the world! You may know what Earth Day is, but do you know why it started? In this blog we’ll explore the origins of this holiday and how it’s evolved over the last 50+ years. As proud Utah locals, we'll also be shining a spotlight on how Earth Day is observed in our own community.

Alpha is committed to giving back to our planet through our Grounds for Good Program. Keep reading to learn more about what we’re doing and ways you can help too.

The Origins of Earth Day

Earth Day was founded by US Senator, Gaylord Nelson on April 22^nd, 1970 due to the rising awareness of environmental issues in the 1960’s. People had just started to realize the negative impacts industrialization and urbanization were having on the planet. Air and water pollution, caused by the uncontrolled use of fossil fuels in the US, was spreading and affecting communities all over the country.

On January 28^th, 1969, just off the coast of Santa Barbara, Union Oil was drilling a new underwater well when pressure control systems failed, causing an uncontrolled release of over 4 million gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean. This oil spill is considered the main catalyst that drove Senator Nelson to action. Nelson led a group of likeminded individuals to organize events across the United States that would help raise awareness for environmental change. These events would lead to the first ever Earth Day, observed by over 20 million people nationwide.

The founding of Earth Day marked a pivotal moment in environmental history, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Earth Day also helped solidify the enactment of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated by nearly every country in the world. Activities for this holiday range from community clean-up efforts and tree planting initiatives to educational workshops and climate marches.

Check out earthday.org to find Earth Day events near you!

Earth Day In Utah

Utah is known for its beautiful landscapes and national parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor adventurers. However, with the increase in population and human activity, the state has also seen a rise in environmental issues. One of the most pressing environmental concerns in Utah is air pollution. Due to its unique geography surrounded by mountains, the state experiences temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground. This phenomenon creates a thick layer of smog over cities like Salt Lake, which can have severe health consequences for both humans and wildlife.

In addition to air pollution, Utah also struggles with water scarcity. The state is one of the driest in the country, receiving an average of only 13 inches of precipitation per year. This limited water supply becomes even more challenging to manage as population growth increases demand for residential and agricultural use. As a result, many areas in Utah are facing water shortages, impacting both ecosystems and communities.

The good news is that the community in Utah is taking action to combat these environmental issues actively. Many local organizations are working towards promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about conservation efforts among residents.

Alpha’s Impact

Earth Day holds great significance in promoting environmental awareness and action. It also serves as a platform for individuals and organizations to come together and take action towards preserving our planet's health.

At Alpha Coffee, we recognize the importance of taking care of our planet and strive to incorporate sustainable practices anywhere we can. Through our Grounds for Good Program and our ongoing Coffee for Troops initiative, we proudly donate over 10% of our profits every year to organizations supporting our Veterans, Planet, and Community. 

Alpha Coffee is a proud supporter of local organizations like o2 Utah, The Nature Conservancy, and The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. These partnerships allow us to contribute to vital conservation efforts, from protecting local ecosystems to promoting environmental education and stewardship within our community. By joining forces with these organizations, we aim to make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.



How You Can Help

Earth Day holds great significance in promoting environmental awareness and action. Through various events and activities held on this day, people are encouraged to make small changes in their daily lives that can have a big impact on the environment. These changes can include reducing waste, conserving energy, and using sustainable products.

Here’s a list of Alpha Approved ways to celebrate this Earth Day:

• Buy Local: By supporting local businesses, you not only reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation but also promote sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to the local economy.
• Get Involved in Community Clean-Up Events: Participate in local clean-up events to remove litter and debris from parks, trails, and other natural areas.
• Switch to Reusables: Reduce your use of single-use plastics! The production and disposal of plastic products have a severe impact on the environment, contributing significantly to pollution.
• Support Sustainable Brands: Choose products from companies that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Look for eco-friendly certifications and labels when making purchasing decisions. 

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Let’s all raise our mugs in celebration of Earth Day – today and every day – as we continue to strive towards a healthier planet. Cheers!