Philly Spring Cleanup
earth day events
April 7
Residents, civic organizations, businesses and nonprofits will work together to remove litter, beautify blocks, and spruce up shared spaces like parks, gardens and recreation centers. Submit your idea for a project or register for one near you. For more information, visit Philadelphia Streets.com/philly-spring-cleanup.
Neighborhood Cleanup Events April 14 and April 28
PLASTICS WARS Celebrate Earth Day Locally and Globally
E
arth Day, on April 22, will serve again as a galvanizing force on ways to save our planet. With the theme of End Plastic Pollution, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is setting a specific focus this year on the importance of reducing the use of plastics and finding more Earth-friendly alternatives (EarthDay.org). The nonprofit notes that of the approximately 300 million tons of plastic annually produced to make bags, bottles, packages and other commodities worldwide, only about 10 percent is successfully recycled and reused. The rest ends up in landfills or as litter, leaching dangerous chemicals into soil and water, endangering humans and wildlife alike. EDN asks everyone to pledge to switch to sustainable alternatives, subscribe to its newsletter, spread the word via social media, educate and mobilize citizens to demand action,
and donate to support the adoption of a global framework to regulate plastic pollution that will engage individuals, companies and governments worldwide. Further, EDN is extending people’s ability to take personal responsibility by self-rating and guiding their involvement via practical toolkits. “People can create and follow a plan to reduce their plastic footprint and also share that data to help others via the Billion Acts of Green online campaign,” says Valeria Merino, vice president of Global Earth Day, adding that participants will be able to create an ongoing record and track their commitments. The initiative is also providing materials, tips on organizing cleanup events and social media tie-ins. Help Philadelphia celebrate and forward progress in sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2018 events.
This video post went viral: Tinyurl.com/ PlasticizedSeaLife 8
Philadelphia, PA
naphilly.com
The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee has helped bring positive change to neighborhoods throughout Philly. Through their network of dedicated Block Captains, they work to organize events, provide support, and empower residents to come together for a more beautiful Philadelphia. For more info or to find out if your block is participating in a cleanup event, visit PhiladelphiaStreets.com/pmbc/cleanblock-officers.
SCA Earth Day
9 a.m. to noon, April 14 The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is hosting 60 projects in honor of 60 years of SCA. In Philadelphia, volunteers will participate in an annual cleanup of Darby Creek within John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Location: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. For more information, email Briley@thesca.org.
Earth Day Festival
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 14 Activities include live wildlife presentations, artisan vendors, native plant sales, creek exploration, bird walks, bug hunts, information tables about local organizations and more. Entrance is free; however bring cash/credit for food vendors and exhibitors. Donations accepted will benefit their high-quality environmental education programming throughout the year. Cost: Free. Location: Bucks County Audubon Society, 2877 Creamery Rd, New Hope. bcas.org.