Soft-Spoken and Stubborn

Forest (No. 611)

Alaskan Mountains

Forest (No. 612)

Alpine Fortresses

National Fish and Chip Day

Go out and get some slightly (or very) greasy, tasty fish and chips. Even in America, the stereotypical UK meal has taken root, and can be found everywhere.

Rich, delicious, flavorful, and utterly satisfying — that is the best way to describe this tasty treat made up of, well, fish…and chips!

There is just something extremely special about the tang of salt and the oil-stained newspaper that speaks of a meal so steeped in tradition, it only seems appropriate that it comes wrapped in the day’s news!

National Fish and Chip Day commemorates this fundamental meal of the working class throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. And while its roots may lay on Britannia’s foggy shores, there are few places in the world that this comfort food hasn’t found its way to.

National Fish and Chip Day is just the time to celebrate this delicious meal!

History of National Fish and Chip Day

To talk of the history of this holiday is, as in the case of so many others, must include discussing the origins of the meal which it celebrates.

Fish and Chips may seem like an odd thing to have become the foundation for an entire culture of working-class individuals. But much comes into focus when a person is able to understand the economy and industry of the time it took hold.

In the late 1800s, trawl fishing became a major part of the economic industry in the North Sea. This resulted in the growing availability of fresh fish in areas further inland in the British Isles, especially within the cities. Anyone who understands economics knows that ‘easily available’ means ‘cheaper to get your hands on’.

This cheap, very filling and highly caloric food created an excellent foundation for a working class that held incredibly physically demanding jobs throughout the late 19th century. Thus it was that “Chippers” started cropping up all over major population centers, the vendors that served the fish and chips to the people on the street.

From there, the meal spread all over the world and is now popular all over Canada (being sold from ‘Chip Wagons’) and throughout the United States.

National Fish and Chip Day itself began fairly recently, in 2015 and continues to be sponsored by the National Edible Oil Distributors Association (NEODA) in the UK. The day was created to raise awareness for the industry and has been growing ever since.

Though it usually occurs on the first Friday of June, in 2024 National Fish and Chip Day will happen on Thursday 6th, in honour of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

How to Celebrate National Fish and Chip Day

Celebrating National Fish and Chip Day can be a load of culinary fun! Sure, it’s not a fancy meal, but it offers a hearty, filling meal that almost anyone can enjoy.

Eat Some Fish and Chips

Well, it starts off simply enough, doesn’t it? Pop on over to your favorite Chipper and get yourself a paper-full of this delicious and filling meal. For those who don’t happen to have one around the corner, many restaurants may offer the dish on their menu.

Or, in a real pinch, it might be necessary to go ahead and hand batter, then deep fry a plate of breaded fish portions and a few servings of chips at home. Actually, it’s not too difficult to make and might even be a fun activity in celebration of the day!

Try Different Serving Options for Fish and Chips

Try this dish however you like it, with a little tartar sauce in the US, a bit of mayonnaise in Canada, or whatever else is a favorite thing to flavor this meal with. Some people in England also like to eat their chips with a special curry sauce slathered on them. Malt vinegar is a very popular addition to fish, and with the delicious tang, it will make National Fish and Chip Day flavorful and authentic!

Worth noting on the subject of Fish and Chips is the fact that in England they are almost always served with mushy peas. That’s right, peas that have been soaked, boiled, softened and mashed up — on purpose. It’s a bit of a tradition and, even though it’s well-known that many English folks don’t like this soggy pile of green mush on their plates, it just doesn’t seem quite right without them!

Get Involved with National Fish and Chip Day Events in the UK

Up to 60 million (or more) people have gotten involved with Fish & Chip Day events each year! NEODA provides Chip Shops throughout the UK with promotions, decorations and marketing campaigns to help their customers get the most out of celebrating the day. They even give away an award for the best Fish and Chip Shop of the year.

Wearing special t-shirts, caps, and other merchandise with the Fish & Chip Day logo are a fun way to celebrate the day. Those who want to get involved or order a t-shirt can get more information here.

Grab a Fish and Chips Meal in America

In America, fish and chips can be found in everything from corner burger shops as part of their fry menu, to some of the most upscale restaurants which provide them with only the best cod and sides.

However, depending on where they are acquired, it is likely that Fish & Chips served in America may not come with proper British “chips” but might be something more like thinner potato fries! The restaurants in the US that are most likely to serve this meal will be seafood chains, such as Long John Silver’s or Red Lobster. (In the past, both of these restaurants have been known to offer deals or coupons in honor of this important day.) Fish and Chips truly is a meal that crosses all the boundaries of culture, class, and status. No matter who is eating it, it’s time to enjoy the celebration of National Fish and Chip Day!

World Environment Day 

World Environment Day urges all of us to protect our natural surroundings. The stunning facts? An estimated 7 million people die each year from causes related to air pollution, with a majority occurring in the Asia-Pacific region. This day, which falls on June 5, encourages worldwide activism. That means everything from littering to climate change. World Environment Day is both a global celebration and a platform for public outreach.

China, which now owns half the world’s electric vehicles and 99 percent of the world’s electric buses, hosted the 2019 event. “The country has demonstrated tremendous leadership in tackling air pollution domestically,” said Acting Head of UN Environment Joyce Msuya. “It can now help spur the world to greater action.” The UN first established World Environment Day in 1972.

When is World Environment Day 2024?

World Environment Day is observed on June 5 every year. Outside of our homes is the actual home we all live in, and preserving it for future generations is more crucial than ever.

History of World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED) is one of the more unique and special holidays because of its history and its many firsts. It was created on the first day of the first-ever U.N. conference which focused on humans and how they interact with the environment.

However, this didn’t happen overnight. Sweden first suggested having such a conference to the U.N. way back in 1968. And in 1969, the U.N. agreed that after 3 years they would have a conference in Sweden that focused on environmental issues. Interestingly enough, the conference was led by Maurice Strong, a Canadian diplomat who worked in the oil and mineral industry, who also had a soft spot for the environment.

Finally, it all came together in 1972, after 4 years of preparations and $30,000,000 later. World leaders from around the world sat together to discuss how they can raise awareness to protect our environment — and it was then WED was made. Then 2 years later, the first-ever WED was celebrated with the slogan “Only One Earth.”

Ever since then, WED has been completely embraced by people everywhere, so much so that it’s even slowly creeping into pop culture (and we love it!) Celebrities around the world all encourage people, in their own unique way, to do their part and “ save the world”. Fan-favorites Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep are some of the many who constantly speak out about environmental awareness. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a famous actor, an athlete or a student in college: gather your friends and spend a day outdoors doing fun activities towards preserving this beautiful planet. Believe us when we say, you’ll have a blast and feel so much better afterward.

World Environment Day timeline

1968 The Idea is Born  

Sweden suggests to the UN to have a conference that is focused on the environment.

1972 First U.N Environmental Conference

Maurice Strong finally leads the discussions about marine pollution, human overpopulation, and global warming.

1974 A Dream Debut

The first World Environment Day is celebrated in Spokane, Washington.

2019 China Hosts World Environment Day

China raises awareness of the 7 million people who die annually from air pollution with the slogan  'Beat Air Pollution.'

Traditions of the Day

Sustainability and the protection of the environment are without a doubt among the most pressing issues we face in the world today. The core necessities of life all come from Mother Nature and, unfortunately, we take it for granted. World Environment Day encourages everyone from individuals to large-scale corporations to be more conscious of their impact on the environment.

A theme is observed every year. The theme for 2020 was ‘Biodiversity.’ Advocacy campaigns and calls for change are heavily promoted, all the while educating others to adopt healthy actions and break patterns that contribute to the degradation of the ecosystem. Just the simple act of switching off unnecessary lights has a tremendous effect. Exhibitions and events take place at educational institutions, with influential spokespeople in attendance.

By the Numbers

90 billion tons – the number of resources extracted from Earth every year.

7.8 billion – the number of people populating Earth.

4.1 billion – the number of consumers in the world.

5.6 billion – the number of consumers expected by 2030.

70% – the percentage of the world’s resources currently being overused.

2.12 billion tons – the number of waste dumped every year.

50 million tons – the number of e-waste produced every year.

$7.8 trillion – the value of the global production of synthetic chemicals.

2050 – the year when the world population is expected to be too big to feed.

2070 – the year when coral reefs are expected to be gone altogether.

World Environment Day FAQs

Is global warming real?

From the data gathered it seems so, and according to NASA, the debate is now moving from if humans are responsible for global warming to how is the best way to respond to the problem.

What fun activity can you do on World Environment Day?

Either by yourself or with a group of your friends or even family members, plant a sapling (young tree) and take a selfie with it. Don’t forget to post it on your social media with #SelfiewithSapling.

How often is World Environment Day celebrated?

Every year on June 5 World Environment Day is celebrated. The cool thing is, almost every year a new country hosts the holiday and since it was first celebrated 34 different cities in 25 countries have hosted this day.

How to Observe World Environment Day

Make a commitment to recycle

Plant a tree

Volunteer

It might seem like a basic tip, but are you really taking every possible opportunity to recycle? Next time you're thinking about throwing that piece of paper in the trash because a recycling bin isn't accessible, think twice. Holding a plastic container and too lazy to see if it's one of the biodegradable kinds? Open up your smartphone and look it up! Everyone's responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions — including you.

Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Placed strategically around a single-family home, they can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

Anyone can volunteer, and volunteering can make a difference to the whole community. Get out of your comfort zone by volunteering for the National Park Service, or stay local by volunteering at your farmers’ market. Any way you choose to participate, you'll feel the positive impact of getting out of the house and caring for the planet.

5 Interesting Facts About World Environment Day

Solar Panels

CO2 Vacuum Cleaner

The Ocean Cleanup

Plant-Based Plastic

Eco-Friendly Batteries

The largest solar farm, Yanchi Ningxia solar park in China, can provide up to 1 billion watts.

Developed in Switzerland in 2016, giant machines capture CO2 to clean the air we breathe.

Backed with $30 million and led by a 22-year-old, this company uses U-shaped screens to catch garbage in the ocean.

Created by an Indonesian company, it’s made from agricultural leftovers like corn, sugarcane, etc.

Developed in the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden using upgraded aluminum.

Why World Environment Day is Important

It reconnects us to nature

It raises awareness

It encourages us to take action

Sometimes we forget just how much natural systems support our own well-being. But we're part of nature, and we depend on it. So today's the perfect occasion to go out and enjoy your country's national parks, and celebrate the vital relationship.

More and more people are starting to understand that we need to sustainably manage our planet's resources and ecosystems. However, that belief is far from universal. That's why World Environment Day is so important: it provides an occasion to raise awareness and teach friends and family that the physical environment is fragile and indispensable. But before you begin promoting environmental awareness in your own community, make sure that you have a thorough understanding of environmental issues yourself. There's always more to learn!

The environment has become increasingly polluted with contaminants and toxins, and these have a harmful impact on our health. They can cause respiratory diseases and cancer—and that's just for starters. By raising awareness of the issues with the air that sustains us, World Environment Day inspires us to do something about it and fix the environment we can't live without.

Forest (No. 613)

Northern Riverbank

Braunfels Castle, Germany 🇩🇪

Braunfels Castle is a stunning hilltop castle located in the state of Hesse, Germany. Overlooking the town of Braunfels, it is one of Germany’s most picturesque castles, known for its fairy-tale towers and medieval atmosphere.

The castle was originally built in the 13th century by the Counts of Solms to protect important trade routes. Over the centuries, it was expanded and transformed from a medieval fortress into a grand residence.

In the 17th century, parts of the castle were damaged during the Thirty Years’ War. Later restorations, especially in the 19th century, gave Braunfels Castle its romantic Neo-Gothic appearance.