April is Earth Month!

April is Earth Month and it’s time to work together to clean up and green up our community. Don’t forget to pick up litter anytime you see it out of place, whether it is outdoors and indoors. Whether it’s recyclable, compostable, or landfill waste, picking it up and taking it to the right bin will help keep our plant clean and safe. Be sure to mark your calendars for two of Greenbelt’s upcoming Earth Month volunteer events to help improve our local watersheds.

First, celebrate Arbor Day and restore habitat for wildlife by planting and protecting trees on Saturday, April 8 from 10 am – 12 pm at Buddy Attick Park. To volunteer for Arbor Day, RSVP at signupgenius.com/go/409084fa4ad2ba3f58-city1.

Second, be a hero of the Anacostia and volunteer for the Annual Earth Day Indian Creek Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 22 from 9 am – 12 pm at Springhill Lake Recreation Center. To volunteer for Earth Day, RSVP at signupgenius.com/go/409084fa4ad2ba3f58-city2.

Don’t forget to bring your own reusable mugs for free coffee thanks to Starbucks of Greenway Shopping Center. Volunteers will also enjoy free bagels thanks to Bagel Place Bagels of College Park.

Reminders:

• Reduce your carbon footprint by walking, biking, or carpooling with your family, friends, and neighbors to Greenbelt’s fun and educational Earth Month activities that are free and open to the public.
• Please bring a reusable water bottle and wear weather appropriate-clothing and closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• All training, tools, and supplies will be provided by the City of Greenbelt Department of Public Works, Alice Ferguson Foundation, and Chesapeake Education, Arts and Research Society (CHEARS).
• For additional green volunteer opportunities, look on the City of Greenbelt website at greenbeltmd.gov/index.aspx?nid=638.

Finally, follow simple and easy zero waste steps to reduce, reuse, and recycle so that materials don’t end up trapped in a landfill.

• Bring your reusable shopping bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic or paper bags.
• Give materials a second chance by donating to thrift stores and shopping at them, too! Have you started spring cleaning and de-cluttering your home? Donate and shop for pre-loved treasures like apparel, accessories, books, electronics and more at Value Village in Hyattsville.
• Are you thinking of starting some spring home improvements? Save money and protect the planet by shopping for building materials and architectural salvage at Community Forklift in Edmonston.
• Want to start backyard composting to help improve your garden? Purchase a $30 discounted compost bin (while supplies last) thanks to a limited time opportunity through NIE Institute. Schedule a compost bin pickup time by contacting Erin Josephitis at ejosephitis@greenbeltmd.gov or 240-542-2168.
• Learn even more about eco-conscious products and practices online at earth911.com.

Keep on celebrating Earth Month each and every month throughout the year!