FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 21, 2023

COLUMBIA, S.C. — As we join communities around the globe to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to help protect and preserve South Carolina’s irreplaceable natural resources by taking small, earth-friendly actions today and every day. 

The theme of this year’s International Earth Day initiative is “Invest In Our Planet.” Since 1970, Earth Day has been recognized annually in America as a day to emphasize the importance of taking deliberate actions to protect and care for the environment. 

“DHEC invests in our planet each day through programs and efforts that protect the environment and promote environmental public health across South Carolina. Earth Day should not be celebrated for only one day a year; we should all work towards enhancing and protecting our natural surroundings every day,” said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs. “The annual celebration of Earth Day offers residents an opportunity to reflect on the impact they can have on their local communities and offers a call to action to help create a greener future for all South Carolinians.” 

There are many ways for you to take part in celebrating Earth Day: 

• Participate in Earth Day events at nearby state parks 
• Plant a native tree or backyard garden 
• Volunteer to Adopt-a-Stream or Adopt-a-Beach
• Find an Earth Day cleanup project or event near you 
• Add a compost pile to your backyard 
• K-12 students and teachers can learn about how to become a future “Champions of the Environment” 
• Plant a native tree or a backyard or community garden 

DHEC encourages residents to make small changes in their daily lives that benefit our shared natural resources every day throughout the year.  Daily efforts residents can take to create a healthier environment include: 

• Recycling  
• Carpooling, biking, walking and riding the bus to reduce car emissions  
• Keeping storm drains free of run-off pollution 
• Conserving water 

Learn more about DHEC’s Environmental Affairs programs, resources and services at scdhec.gov/environment. For more on Earth Day, visit Make Every Day Earth Day. 

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