Every year on the 22nd of April, Earth Day brings people together from around the world to reflect on the state of our planet - and to consider what more we can do to protect it.
What began in 1970 as a national demonstration in the United States has grown into a global movement, with over a billion people taking part in activities that range from picking up litter to pushing for policy change.
But Earth Day isn’t just about one day. Its mission - to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement - is an ongoing call to action. And at HX, that mission is reflected in the way they explore the world, engage with communities and take responsibility for the impact they have.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what Earth Day’s mission really means - and how it aligns with HX’s commitment to sustainability, both on board and beyond.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a global movement that brings people together to protect the planet.
It all began on the 22nd of April 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organised a nationwide demonstration to raise awareness about pollution and environmental damage. The response was huge - millions took to the streets, and by the end of the year, the US government had created the Environmental Protection Agency.
Fast forward to today, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 190 countries and mobilises over a billion people each year. It’s organised by EARTHDAY.ORG, whose mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. That means involving people from all backgrounds, sharing knowledge and inspiring real action - whether that’s picking up litter, planting trees or making more sustainable choices every day.
Putting Earth Day’s mission into action with HX
Diversify
The “diversify” part of Earth Day’s mission refers to the goal of involving a wide range of people, perspectives and communities in environmental action. It means ensuring that environmental efforts are inclusive and representative of all backgrounds - across race, gender, age, geography, socioeconomic status and more:
- Broad participation: Encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved in sustainability and climate action, not just scientists, policymakers or activists.
- Environmental justice: Recognising that environmental issues disproportionately affect marginalised communities, and ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
- Different solutions for different people: Acknowledging that climate solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that diverse ideas lead to more innovative, equitable and effective outcomes.
How HX brings this to life:
HX champions inclusive exploration, working closely with local communities and indigenous groups in the regions they visit. From Greenland to the Galápagos, HX supports locally led initiatives and responsible tourism practices that ensure everyone benefits, not just the traveller.
Educate
The “educate” part of Earth Day’s mission is all about raising awareness and deepening understanding of environmental issues - like climate change, pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss - so that individuals, communities and leaders can make informed decisions that help protect the planet:
- Sharing knowledge: Teaching people of all ages about how human actions impact the environment and what we can do to reduce harm.
- Inspiring action: Showing the connection between awareness and real-world change, like recycling, reducing emissions or supporting green policies.
- Empowering communities: Helping people feel equipped and confident to advocate for the environment in their homes, schools, workplaces and governments.
How HX brings this to life:
HX’s onboard experience is built around learning. Through expert-led lectures, citizen science projects and immersive excursions, guests gain a deeper understanding of the natural world - from climate science to local conservation efforts. Education is central to every voyage, helping guests see beyond the surface.
Activate
The “activate” part of Earth Day’s mission is about turning awareness into action. It’s not just learning about the issues - it’s about getting involved and making a tangible difference:
- Mobilising people: Encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to step up - whether that’s through clean-up events, tree planting, climate marches or conservation projects.
- Driving change: Supporting initiatives that lead to policy changes, corporate responsibility or innovations in sustainability.
- Creating moment: Building a global movement where people feel part of something bigger - where small, local actions contribute to large-scale impact.
How HX brings this to life:
From removing single-use plastics to investing in hybrid-powered ships, HX is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Guests are encouraged to park too, through beach clean-ups, citizen science and sustainable travel practices.
Earth Day reminds us that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility - and one that extends far beyond a single day. At HX, sustainability is not a side project, but a fundamental part of how they explore. By embracing Earth Day’s mission to diversify, educate and activate, they’re committed to creating deeper connections with the natural world, supporting the communities they visit, and reducing their impact along the way.
