About World Environment Day
World Environment Day is observed on 5 June. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 and led by the UN Environment Programme, it is the UN's main day for encouraging awareness and action to protect the environment.
The UN General Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972, the year of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first major UN conference on environmental issues. The first World Environment Day was held in 1973.
The UN Environment Programme leads the day. Each year a different country hosts the main celebrations and a focus topic is chosen, but the purpose stays the same: to encourage governments, businesses and people to protect the environment and live more sustainably.
How it is marked
People plant trees, join clean-up drives, cut plastic use and save water and energy. Schools hold poster and essay competitions, nature walks and eco-club activities. Offices run green challenges, collect e-waste or plant saplings on their premises. Many cities organise rallies and campaigns on pollution and waste.
In India, World Environment Day is one of the most widely observed environmental days, with plantation drives by schools, housing societies, companies and government departments across the country.
What to write
A good message is warm and hopeful, with one simple action in mind.
- Happy World Environment Day. Your cloth bag habit finally rubbed off on me. Took one to the sabzi market today.
- Thank you for running the society plantation drive, and for somehow settling every argument about where the saplings go.
- Proud of you for starting the e-waste box at school. Mummy has finally handed over her old phones.
How to wish someone on World Environment Day
care for the planet, cleaner air and water, and everyday choices that tread lightly on the earth
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Environment Day celebrated on 5 June?
The UN General Assembly chose 5 June in 1972, marking the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The first celebration was held in 1973.
Who organises World Environment Day?
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) leads World Environment Day, working with a host country each year and partners around the world.
How can offices celebrate World Environment Day?
Offices can run a plantation drive, collect e-waste for recycling, cut single-use plastic in the pantry, or set a week-long challenge to save paper and power.
When is World Environment Day in 2026?
World Environment Day 2026 falls on Friday, 5 June 2026.
What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day is observed on 5 June. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 and led by the UN Environment Programme, it is the UN's main day for encouraging awareness and action to protect the environment.
Is World Environment Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Environment Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Environment Day?
Focus on care for the planet, cleaner air and water, and everyday choices that tread lightly on the earth. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Environment Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .