About the Chemists Celebrate Earth Day Program
Earth Day was first officially recognized on April 22, 1970 as a way to demonstrate support for a healthy environment, raise awareness about environmental issues, and remind people that we all need to contribute to a sustainable planet.
For years, chemists have been promoting a better world through recyclable plastics, cleaner-burning fuels, phosphate-free detergents, environmental monitoring, and green chemistry initiatives. The American Chemical Society joined the Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2003. There have been annual Chemists Celebrate Earth Day (CCED) events ever since.
Each year, ACS highlights one of four general topics (water, air, plants/soil or recycling) and chooses a specific “theme name” under the topic to focus the CCED celebration.
ACS local sections, Student Affiliates Chapters and divisions are encouraged to take part in the celebration, particularly the annual community event. Additionally, hands-on activities have been developed for CCED celebrations, and it is hoped that ACS members, chemical educators and chemistry enthusiasts will use them to illustrate the positive role that chemistry plays in the world.
Topics and Themes of Chemists Celebrate Earth Day
Current Topic and “Theme Name”
- 2008 Water: “Streaming Chemistry”
Future Topics and “Theme Names” as available
- 2009 Atmosphere: “Air—The Sky’s The Limit”
- 2010 Plants/Soil
- 2011 Recycling
- 2012 Water