Millions of people around the world will pause, at least for a moment, to mark Earth Day. The annual event is Wednesday.

The recent Artemis II mission gave four astronauts a one-of-a-kind perspective on Earth, and their photos show just how small and striking the planet looks from deep space.

Here's what to know about Earth Day 2026 and how the holiday came to be.

A skirt made of homework. A crochet bag spun from plastic bags. Those are just some of the looks expected to hit the runway Friday night as Raleigh celebrates Earth Day with a creative twist — turning everyday waste into wearable art.

The first Earth Day, in 1970, came in response to a series of environmental disasters. The pesticide DDT was devastating bird populations. A record-breaking oil spill had polluted the waters off Santa Barbara, Calif. In Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River had caught on fire.

An annual arts festival in Clarendon and an Earth Day celebration on Langston Blvd will result in some road closures this weekend. The 12th annual Arlington Festival of the Arts will kick off the weekend with over 125 exhibitors showcasing original pieces beginning on Saturday.

A Livingston County family whose land has remained intact for more than two centuries is being recognized for turning long-term stewardship into a modern-day model for conservation. Jonathan and Jennifer Prince of Groveland were presented the 2026 Earth Day Award this week by the Livingston County Environmental Management Council,

County staff were divided into 25 groups, working along roadways and in public areas to help tackle litter issues, county leaders say they deal with year-round.