International World Soil Day
When is World Soil Day? This special day is always observed on December 5
Healthy soil is vital to the ecosystem of our world. Unfortunately, like other things in our world, Man pollutes the very ground we walk upon. Scientists estimate that over a third of the planet’s soil is impacted by pollutants. Any kind of pollution is bad for the ecosystem and it’s bad for you. International World Soil Day brings awareness to this troubling problem. On this December 5 holiday, governments and organizations provide educational programs and information to both make us aware of the problem and to educate us on how we as individuals can stop it. And there are things we can do to improve the health of the soil.
Soil is home to land-based plants and many creatures from mammals to insects and tiny, unseen microbes. Most of the food you eat comes from the soil. Clean, unpolluted ground, results in healthier food for your family. That’s why we value organic foods so highly.
This holiday is an annual celebration. Each year, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) announces a new theme for the year. Governments and organizations are encouraged to create programs based on the theme for the year.
There are many things we as individuals can do. This holiday brings awareness to what we are doing to the soil. Armed with this knowledge, don’t you think it’s time to do something about it!?
How to Celebrate World Soil Day
It is December and winter in the Northern Hemisphere. So, you might not be able to use some of the ideas below until spring. However, you should use this holiday to learn more about how to preserve and improve the health of the soil in your yard and community.
- First and foremost, learn about soil health and especially how man is polluting the land he lives on.
- Support government and organizations during their efforts to stop pollution wherever it occurs.
- Practice soil conservation.
- Compost all organic materials. Toss it in the compost pile. Or, put it in the composter. Learn how to compost.
- Do not dispose of any chemical agents, old gas, or oil into the ground. Rather, bring them to a disposal site in your area.
- Support recycling in your community. Harmful ingredients from trash disposal sites can leach into the ground.
- Learn how you can prevent soil erosion.
Did You Know? You can compost organic kitchen waste 365 days of the year. Find out how. Winter Composting
Today's Quote
“What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.” – – Meister Eckhart
History and Origin of International World Soil Day
In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) recommended and promoted the creation of International Soil Day. The objective is to raise awareness of soil as a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. Then in June 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference approved the creation of this important holiday. Finally, in December 2013, the UN General Assembly made it official, declaring December 5, 2014, as the first annual World Soil Day.
We do not know why December 5 was chosen to celebrate this holiday.
This Day in History
In addition to World Soil Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
The 21st Amendment repeals Prohibition. I’ll drink to that! (1933)
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 1,500 for the first time. And, just look at where we are now! (1985)
- Martin Van Buren, 8th U.S. President, was born on this day in 1782.
Holidays Related to World Soil Day
Additionally, people who like this holiday will also like:
More December 5 Holidays
Besides World Soil Day, here are more December 5 holidays you will certainly enjoy.
Repeal Day – The 21st Amendment ends Prohibition. I’ll drink to that!
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous December Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: May we suggest: Zucchini Nut Bread
Also See: Holiday Recipes and Pumpkin Recipes Galore
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for International World Soil Day or just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Without a doubt, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Therefore, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to International World Soil Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.