Greenwich To Hold Earth Day Celebration

Information via the Greenwich Conservation Commission

GREENWICH, CT – The Greenwich Conservation Commission and its partner conservation organizations in town invite everyone in Greenwich to take part in a "one minute of bells initiative" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. All manner of bells will begin ringing at exactly twelve noon on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – Earth Day.

We can all still connect with each other in spirit and sound during time at home. The Commission spearheaded this community-wide celebration to bring our town together in joyful thanks to the Earth that sustains and connects us all; one action, one minute, one town and one planet.

In addition to the Earth Day bell-ringing, Greenwich is offering "at home activities" for its school children during all five days of Earth Week. Earth Month in Greenwich would normally be full of varied and fun activities – and so is Earth Week.

"The Earth Week Home Edition provides all with a truly comprehensive framework for celebrating Earth Week in a way that brings the Greenwich educational community together toward a common goal," Jonathan Ross-Wiley, Head Greenwich Academy's Lower School, said in a statement. "GA is looking forward to having our girls support this town-wide effort."

The Conservation Commissioner and staff, along with Greenwich Country Day School's sustainability director, Laura di Bonaventura, have been working with school representatives from private, parochial and public school on a collective "Earth Week of Action."

"So far as we know, this is the first time all of our schools have had the opportunity to work in sync," di Bonaventura said in a statement. "It's been stunning and so hopeful, how school leaders have embraced the Earth Week of Action and made it their own, including the Home Edition...the bell ringing captures this unifying energy and engages the entire community."

Bell ringing is simple, joyful and can be experienced at safe distances.

Every house of worship has been invited to ring bells. The majority, including St. Barnabas, Temple Sholom, Christ Church and Greenwich Baptist, had already committed to participate as of Friday, April 17.

"Since the Earth is God's creation, we believe it should be cherished and cared for," Greenwich Baptist Pastor Lloyd Syvertsen said in a statement. "We are happy to add the voice of Greenwich Baptist to this town-wide moment of appreciation."

The bell ringing will take place at noon on Wednesday, April 22. Residents are asked to open their apartment windows, or step outside their homes while maintaining social distance, and ring bells or make other noise to take part for a minute or two.

Preceding the ringing, First Selectman Fred Camillo will read an Earth Day proclamation to be broadcast on social and conventional media.

Residents are encouraged to share information about this event with neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Questions can be directed to Director of Environmental Affairs Patricia Sesto at psesto@greenwichct.org.

For more information on Earth Week of Action, visit the town website. Please share your Earth Week photos by tagging #GreenwichEarthWeek.