The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and is now celebrated in at least 193 countries.

At the 2016 Hongwanji Legislative Assembly (Giseikai), delegates voted to approve the Green Hongwanji Initiative to encourage environmental consciousness and actions consistent with the expression of our Buddhist values.

Temples are beginning to hold special Earth Day services, fairs, and other observances on or near Earth Day. Members are increasingly adopting green practices such as bringing reusable mugs to reduce use of polystyrene.