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​​​​​​​2024 Kids' Earth Day Poster Contest Results

​​Young artists of NIH staff helped champion the 2024 Earth Day theme of “Planet vs Plastic” by participating in the HHS Kids’ Earth Day Poster Contest. A total of 44 submissions from the NIH were received and can be viewed here. The posters underwent a rigorous judging process, which resulted in the selection of each age group winner displayed below. These artists will represent the NIH as they compete with submissions from the other HHS Operating Divisions for the 2024 HHS Kids’ Earth Day Poster Contest Award. We greatly appreciate everyone that took the time and effort to participate and support the contest.

We interviewed the winning illustrators to learn more about their artistic process and the messages behind the inspiring artwork (below).

​What inspired you to create your Earth Day poster?

Varanasi (6-8) – “In my community, I am involved in a non-profit organization that partners with the NexTrex. Their goal is to collect 500 pounds of non-recyclable plastic every year and use that to turn into a beautiful bench to sit on. Participating in this initiative made me very happy. I was shocked at how much plastic we are using at my house, and it made me realize that if we don't act now, we might face a future overwhelmed by plastic waste beyond our control.”

What was your favorite part about creating your poster?

Varanasi (6-8) – “The favorite part of my poster was illustrating the rocket containing anxious individuals flying to Mars as Earth is no more inhabitable, symbolizing their fear due to the environmental impact caused by actions taken 20 years ago. This image serves as a powerful reminder that we need to create a sustainable world for future generations. While the idea of relocating to Mars might seem a bit farfetched at this point of time, it underscores my message about the potential uninhabitability of Earth if we continue to excessively use plastic.”

Is there anything you want viewers to learn from your poster?

Varanasi (6-8) – “My goal is for the viewers to acknowledge the grave danger we are in , and the sad part is that many of us are not even aware of it and many believe that there is no immediate threat, dismissing the urgency of the situation as something not to worry about right now. The rapid consumption of plastic has already caused severe damage on the environment, with our oceans heavily polluted, disrupting marine ecosystems. This not only worsens the global warming, but the production of plastic also leads to significant pollution and soil contamination, affecting human health as well. The principle that “Today's actions are tomorrow's consequences” reminds us that without change, we risk passing down an uninhabitable planet to future generations.”

How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day?

Varanasi (6-8) – “On that day, I plan to encourage my parents to minimize our car usage, avoid purchasing items packaged in plastic, and share the risks associated with plastic usage with all my friends and classmates. I strongly believe that spreading awareness is the most effective strategy to tackle this issue.”

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​A Brief History of the NIH Earth Day Event ​Earth Day at the NIH has a long and extensive history with the natural connection between human health and the environment. Earth Day celebrations have occurred on nearly all NIH campuses including Research Triangle Park, Bethesda, Rocky Mountain Labs, Bayview, Shady Grove and Ft. Detrick! ​​LEA​RN MORE​​​​​

​​Take Action                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

​​​2024 NIH Earth Day​​ ​ ​​Join your campus to celebrate the 2024 Earth Day! Many activities will be held across NIH campuses for NIH staff (and some for children too). Read about the current activity listings inside this article!​​ ​ LEARN MORE​​

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Did you know? Earth Day has been celebrated at the NIH for decades! Human health is greatly affected by our environment, so join the NIH in celebrating Earth Day again this year!​ To learn more about sustainability​​, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.​​