How to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
Published on April 12, 2024
Every year on April 22, the world comes together for one cause: Earth. It is a day to advocate for the environmental protection of our planet and to celebrate the work already being done across the globe. While this singular day should be honored for all it represents, the City of Charlotte is committed to prioritizing sustainability every day.
To help us do that, here are a few ways you can contribute to our efforts and celebrate Earth Day all 365 days of the year.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling on a regular basis is an easy way to make a significant impact on our environment. The City of Charlotte offers complimentary trash and recycling services for all Charlotte residents through Solid Waste Services.
Clean Up Your Community
There are plenty of community-based programs, events, and initiatives that residents can take advantage of all year long. Here are a few to keep on your radar...
Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) inspires and educates people to act every day to improve and beautify their community environment. KCB was founded in 1974 and is one of the nation's first Keep America Beautiful affiliates. The KCB board works closely with neighborhood organizations and homeowner groups, as well as with area businesses, schools, and local governments, to create a healthier environment. In addition to everyday volunteer opportunities, check out these KCB programs:
Clean the Queen is Envision Charlotte’s annual, week-long series of volunteering events. It takes place every year during Earth Week (April 15-20, 2024).
Join Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services during any number of volunteer and education events throughout the year, including Creek Week and The Big Spring Clean.
Save Energy, Save Money
Did you know that federal tax credits are available when you take energy-saving measures at home? From solar panels to electric vehicles to Energy Star appliances, there are several opportunities to save money when you save energy. See if you qualify for these tax credits at the links below.
Plant Pollinators & Take Care of Trees
Charlotte’s Landscape Management team not only maintains the city’s well-regarded tree canopy, but they have also planted pollinator gardens in various urban areas to provide our natural habitat with nectar and pollen. You can get involved in a variety of ways, including...
Landscape Management frequently hosts volunteer events and workshops across the city. Visit our events directory whenever you’re in the mood to participate.
Take care of the trees on your personal property with these curated Tree Care Resources. According to the City Arborist, the most significant dent in our tree canopy occurs when residents remove trees on personal property. Rather than removing, consider pruning. You can always contact a certified arborist for assistance on how to maintain your trees.
Tree Care Matching Grants of up to $3,000 are available to neighborhoods citywide for tree care initiatives, including: canopy assessment, ivy removal, small tree/sapling pruning, tree-focused education and community events. Contact 704-336-3380 to learn more.
Plant your own Native Pollinator Plants to encourage a thriving habitat.
Enroll Your Business in Our Green Initiatives
Want to take your Earth Day celebrations to the next level? Bring them to your business! Here are a few examples of ways your business or organization can support the city’s sustainability goals.
Power Down the Crown is a voluntary building energy performance benchmarking program that encourages building owners to reduce their energy use and help Charlotte become a low-carbon city by 2050. The goal is to reduce energy use per square foot by 10% by 2030. In return, the city will celebrate partner successes, offer opportunities to share and learn energy efficiency best practices, and provide benchmarking technical assistance.
The Green Crown Program is a free, voluntary program recognizing those in the restaurant industry that actively minimize waste and maximize sustainability. Establishments earn points by practicing environmentally sustainable business efforts and are awarded “crowns” for their level of commitment.
Other Ways to Celebrate
If none of those suggestions caught your eye, check out some of these other ways you can make every day Earth Day!
Familiarize yourself with the Strategic Energy Action Plan.
Join the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Take advantage of the Cross Charlotte Trail.
Keep an eye on Sustain Charlotte for citywide events and initiatives.