Since 2019 Ateliers Verts® has supported Good Causes across the Land, Ocean, Air, People and Animals. After all, they're all interconnected.
With so much noise in the media about vile human behaviour it's good to be reminded of the good work being done by various organisations. Being eco-conscious, sustainable, eco-friendly, planet-friendly or whatever you want to call it will help humanity to survive and reverse the damage we have done to the planet. So positive initiatives which raise awareness and garner support are welcome!
Here are our Top 10 Eco-Conscious Days for the Month of July 2026:
1. World Population Day (11th July 2026)
There are approximately 8.2 billion people in the World today and the population will peak at about 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s, before declining slightly to 10.2 billion by 2100.
This dramatic growth has been driven largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age, and has been accompanied by major changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanisation and accelerating migration. These trends will have far-reaching implications for generations to come.
The recent past has seen enormous changes in fertility rates and life expectancy. In the early 1970s, women had on average 4.5 children each; by 2015, total fertility for the world had fallen to below 2.5 children per woman. Meanwhile, average global lifespans have risen, from 64.6 years in the early 1990s to 72.6 years in 2019.
In addition, the world is seeing high levels of urbanisation and accelerating migration. 2007 was the first year in which more people lived in urban areas than in rural areas, and by 2050 about 66 per cent of the world population will be living in cities.
These megatrends have far-reaching implications. They affect economic development, employment, income distribution, poverty and social protections. They also affect efforts to ensure universal access to health care, education, housing, sanitation, water, food and energy. To more sustainably address the needs of individuals, policymakers must understand how many people are living on the planet, where they are, how old they are, and how many people will come after them.
More: World Population Day
2. World Horse Day (11th July 2026)
Few animals have contributed to human progress as profoundly — and quietly — as the horse. From ancient nomads on the Eurasian steppes to modern Olympic arenas and backyard barns, horses have carried goods, ploughed fields, won wars and comforted hearts. Even in today’s high-tech world, draft horses still work organic farms, mounted rangers protect wildlife, and therapy ponies bring joy to hospitals.
The United Nations General Assembly declared on 3 June 2025, that 11 July would be “World Horse Day.” The resolution calls on governments, schools, businesses and individuals to celebrate the role of horses — and to tackle the challenges they face in the modern world.
In 2023 there were 60.8 million horses globally. The USA has 2.41 million horses and ponies on over 63,000 farms (2022 USDA Census), while the European Union supports a herd of about 7 million equines and 800,000 jobs in breeding, sport and tourism. In Mongolia, horses are still part of daily life — with 3.4 million horses for 3.3 million people.
Beyond sports and industry, horses, donkeys and mules are vital to rural life: a joint study by the World Organization for Animal Health and FAO estimates that 112 million working equids support the livelihoods of around 600 million people in low- and middle-income countries. These animals carry water, transport crops, and support families every day.
With global temperatures rising, this increases heat stress for working and sport horses alike. From cooling lanes at Olympic events to new global welfare standards, adapting to a changing climate is now essential.
World Horse Day is more than a celebration — it’s a call to protect one of humanity’s oldest partnerships, which still helps feed us, support our economies, and lift our spirits.
More: World Horse Day
3. Shark Awareness Day (14th July 2026)
Shark Awareness Day is observed to dispel myths about sharks, highlight their critical role as apex predators, and bring attention to the extinction risks faced by many shark and ray species
Sharks, skates and rays are a diverse and fascinating group made up of over 1000 unique species. Sharks play an integral role in keeping our ocean's healthy. They do this by keeping other populations in check and preying on the sick and old. This prevents the spread of disease and improves the gene pool.
More: Shark Awareness Day
4. World Snake Day (16th July 2026)
World Snake Day was created to help people learn more about these animals and how much they contribute to the world as we know it.
The snake is one of the oldest mythological characters and has been revered by civilisations the world over. There are about 3,458 species of snakes known so far, ranging from the semi-frozen tundra of northern Canada to the steamy jungles of the equator and most of the world’s oceans.
Snakes are highly effective predators and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystem.They can aslo be preyed upon as a food source for raptors and mongoose. Snakes eat rats and mice. This keeps farms and homes safe from extra pests and disease.
Snakes are also fascinating in that they have a prehistoric lineage, thus giving us a glimpse back to a prehistoric time when the earth was ruled by reptiles—many people have no idea that modern reptiles are literally the living, breathing cousins of dinosaurs.
More: World Snake Day
5. World Listening Day (18th July 2026)
The study of Acoustic Ecology began in the late 1960s. Also called ecoacoustics or soundscape studies, this field promotes understanding about the relationship between human beings and their environment, particularly as it relates to sound.
World Listening Day, organized by the World Listening Project, celebrates the art of actively listening to the sounds of the environment. It aims to raise awareness about the significance of listening as a cultural practice and promotes sonic stewardship of the environment. Through various events and initiatives, it encourages individuals worldwide to engage with and reflect upon the soundscape around them.
World Listening Day celebrates the practice of mindful listening and encourages people to engage with their auditory environment in various ways. Here are a few ways people might participate in World Listening Day:
- Soundwalks: Organise or join a soundwalk in your community to explore the sonic environment, paying attention to the sounds around you.
- Field Recording: Take a recording device and capture sounds from different environments, such as parks, urban areas, or natural settings.
- Listening Parties: Host or attend a listening party where participants share and discuss recordings they’ve made or found that highlight interesting or unique sounds.
- Acoustic Ecology Workshops: Participate in workshops or seminars that explore the relationship between sound, environment, and culture.
- Listening Meditation: Practice listening meditation, focusing solely on the sounds around you to cultivate mindfulness and presence.
- Sound Mapping: Create a map of sounds in your local area, marking locations where specific sounds are prominent or interesting.
- Community Sound Projects: Collaborate with others to create sound-based art installations or projects that raise awareness about the importance of listening.
- Online Listening Exchanges: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to sharing recordings and discussing the art of listening.
- Documentary Listening: Watch documentaries or films that explore soundscapes, acoustic ecology, or the impact of sound on our lives.
- Sound Art Installations: Visit or create sound art installations in public spaces that invite people to engage with sound in a unique way.
- Educational Events: Attend lectures, panel discussions, or presentations on topics related to sound studies, auditory perception, or environmental sound.
- Reflective Listening: Take time to reflect on your personal relationship with sound and how it shapes your experiences and understanding of the world.
These activities can help individuals deepen their appreciation for the soundscape around them and foster a greater sense of connection to their environment and community.
More: World Listening Day
6. International Self-Care Day (24th July 2026)
International Self Care Day was first celebrated in 2011 when it was established by the UK based organisation, International Self-Care Foundation (ISF). With the important theme of encouraging everyone to be attentive to taking care of themselves, the day has been observed each year since its foundation more than a decade ago.
Self care includes, making healthy life choices including doing exercise and eating healthily. It's also important to clear your mind.
A self-care day is a flexible, intentional pause to restore your physical, mental, and emotional energy.
- Self care can improve physical health
- Self care may reduce stress & anxiety and protect mental health
- Self care can promote better relationships with family, friends, coworkers and more
- Self care may increase confidence, productivity and happiness
More: International Self Care Day
7. World Nature Conservation Day (28th July 2026)
World Nature Conservation Day is observed every year to raise global awareness about protecting natural resources, preserving biodiversity, and adopting sustainable habits for a healthy planet. In 1997, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared July 28th as World Nature Conservation Day.
"The world is currently facing the converging and escalating crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. At the same time, conflicts are globally on the rise, with 65 active conflicts recorded across 35 countries in 2025 – the highest number recorded since 1946. These environmental crises and conflicts are deeply interconnected, forming a feedback loop that exacerbates vulnerabilities and existing inequalities. Climate change can act as a threat multiplier, intensifying competition for scarce natural resources, disrupting livelihoods, and driving migration, ultimately increasing the risk of conflict. In turn, conflict and instability can severely hinder conservation efforts and undermine the resilience of ecosystems, further exacerbating climate vulnerabilities."
Ultimately World Nature Conservation Day is here to raise awareness for the need and promote collaboration between individuals, communities, businesses, local governments and much more for the benefit of humankind and the planet.
More: World Nature Conservation Day
8. World Hepatitis Day (28th July 2026)
World Hepatitis Day is observed each year to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer.
Under the remit of The World Health Organistion, World Hepatitis Day, is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO's Global hepatitis report of 2017.
The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus.
In 2026 the Theme is "Let's Break It Down"
287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024. Only 45% of babies received the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth in 2024. 1.3 million people died of chronic hepatitis B and C in 2024.
Low coverage of testing and treatment is the most important gap to be addressed in order to achieve the global elimination goals by 2030.
More: World Hepatitis Day
9. International Tiger Day (29th July 2028)
International Tiger Day was assigned to raise global awareness about the severe threats facing endangered wild tigers, stop poaching, and protect their natural forest habitats. Created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, it highlights the vital role tigers play as apex predators in keeping nature balanced.
The day highlights key aims
More: International Tiger Day
10. International Day of Friendship (30th July 2026)
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems. It was then adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997.
Why not call, text, or message friends you have not seen in a while?
More: International Day of Friendship
Header Image: Tiger in Tadoba National Park India photographed by Andrew Levy ©Ateliers Verts 2017
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©Ateliers Verts Ltd. 2026
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