Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Every year on April 22, over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day. From San Francisco to San Juan, Beijing to Brussels, Marrakesh to Mexico, people make an extra effort to inspire awareness of, and appreciation for, earth's environment.

Our planet depends on raising public awareness about the impact of human activities on the biosphere and the importance of good stewardship, so Earth Day is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals or groups perform acts of service to earth.

Typical ways of observing Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, conducting various programs for recycling and conservation, using recyclable containers for snacks and lunches.

Like Earth Days of the past, Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever.

Earth Day 2014 will seek to do just that through its global theme: Green Cities. With smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educated and active public, we can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.

When was the last time you took the time to celebrate the gifts of our wonderful host, planet Earth? Considering what it provides to us humans, and how our activities are changing the environment, spending a little time celebrating our planet is only right.

As the global organizer behind Earth Day, Earth Day Network creates tools and resources for you to get involved with Earth Day in your community. Click HERE to learn how you can participate in this global effort.

If you are here in Puerto Vallarta, consider a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Traditionally, they celebrate the day with Gardens tours and tree plantings. To find out what they are planning for Earth Day 2014, please call the Gardens at (322) 223-6182 or email info(at)vbgardens.org.