Region 1: New England

 

Celebrating Earth Day Where You Live

The following links may provide helpful information for opportunities to celebrate Earth Day in and around your community. These events range from family-friendly to volunteer cleanup opportunities that may be more physically strenuous.

EPA recommends that you check with each organization listed to confirm that events are taking place at the time and place listed below. Event descriptions were prepared by the sponsoring organization. Some events may require an admission fee.

Providing this information on Earth Day events sponsored by non-EPA organizations does not constitute an endorsement by EPA of the sponsors of the events or the information or products presented at the events.

• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

Connecticut

Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection
Multiple Connecticut Events

The Warming of Connecticut Movie and Talk
Darien, CT
April 25, 2008 (Friday), 7:00 pm
Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road
Sponsors: Darien Energy Task Force, Darien Board of Selectmen, The Darien Public Library, The Green Team, The Garden Club of Darien and local merchants supporting Going For Green

How global warming will affect us here in Connecticut is explored in a one-hour CPTV original documentary, "The Warming of Connecticut," scheduled for Friday, April 25th, 7:00 p.m., Darien Town Hall auditorium. After the showing of the film, Roger Smith, one of several people featured in the movie, will be here to discuss action underway in Connecticut to curb global warming and will answer questions from the audience. Mr. Smith is the campaign director of Clean Water Action, a national non-profit organization that advocates for change on a variety of environmental issues, including global warming.

Milford Earth Day Celebration
Milford, CT
May 17, 2008 (Saturday), 8 am - 2 pm
Eisenhower Park
Sponsor: Milford Earth Day Committee

Milford Earth Day features conservation work, learning, and lots of fun! Participants will be able to enjoy the following activities:

• Trails Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Invasive Brush Removal
• Trash Pickup
• Science Exhibits
• Crafts
• Lumberjack Olympics
• Music
• Raffles
• Food

Earth Day/Community Day Celebration
New London, CT
April 19, 2008 (Saturday), 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Rain Date: April 20, 2008
270 Mohegan Ave.
Sponsors: Connecticut College Arboretum, Connecticut College student groups (Sprout, SAVE, REC, and the Arbo Project), Sierra Club, Coast Guard Academy Sustainability Club, Lisbon Environmental Club, Wild Ones, Heifer Project, ReForest the Tropics, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Artist Margarita Hernandez de Maxson, Public Library of New London, The Farmer's Cow, Flavours of Life, Terra Firma Farm, Pampered Chef, Society of Craft Designers, Urban Eden Soap, Shaklee Corporation, Connecticut Youth Activist Network, Multicultural Magnet School/ Save the Earth Club, Solar Wrights Inc., Artist Anne Pugsley, Babies 4 Peace and Renya Creations

The event will include performances by the Mystic Paper Beats, guided tours of the Connecticut College Arboretum's Native Plant Collection and a composting demonstration by the Connecticut chapter of Wild Ones, a non-profit organization that promotes biodiversity and environmental awareness. The public is also invited to bring soil samples for pH testing at the Arboretum table.

This event is free and open to the public. The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - Children's Crafts and Games
• 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - Exhibitors and Vendors
• 11:30 a.m. - Guided Family Tour of the Native Plant Collection (meet at the Arboretum tent)
• 11:45 a.m. - "Songs of the Earth," a performance by folk singer and musician Geoff Kaufman
• 12:15 - Composting demonstration by the Wild Ones
• 12:30 - Environment-themed games with the Lisbon Environmental Club
• 1 p.m. - A performance by the Mystic Paper Beasts
• 1-3 p.m. - Soil sample testing
• 1:30 p.m. - Earth Day Storytelling for Kids
• 1:45 p.m. - Circle Dance, with drumming, led by the Connecticut College Department of Dance
• 2 p.m. - Guided Family Tour of the Native Plant Collection (meet at the Arboretum Tent)
• 3 p.m. - Songs of the Earth with Geoff Kaufman

For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu or (860) 439-2526).

Earth Day 2008 Celebration
Redding, CT
April 27, 2008 (Sunday), 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rain or Shine!
John Read Middle School, Route 53
Sponsors: New Pond Farm; Redding Land Trust; Mark Twain Library John Read Middle School, Route 53 Redding, Connecticut

Exhibitions from environmental organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Save the Sound, Saving Natural Redding, and the Redding Garden Club on various earth-saving strategies, including a demonstration of the new Smart Car, how to grow organic vegetables, how to control storm water runoff, how to turn leaves into fertilizer, and other energy-saving, cost-effective steps. A presentation/talk by Sally Harold, director of The Nature Conservancy's Saugatuck River Watershed Partnership, on the importance of preserving watershed lands. Guided hikes in Redding's 312-acre Saugatuck Falls Natural Area - across the road from John Read Middle School - that focus on the preserve's birds, trees, wildflowers, amphibians, invasive plants and the natural history and geology of the watershed.

Kids Earth Celebration
Sandy Hook, CT
May 4, 2008 (Sunday), 11am
4 Washington Ave.
Sponsor: Our Green House

Come celebrate everything green your community has to offer! We will have local and organic farmers; nutrition experts on eating raw; canine advocates bake sale to raise money for the animal shelter; Dr. Hauschka, an expert on skincare; activities and fun learning experience for everyone!

MDC Celebrates Earth Day
West Hartford, CT
April 20, 2008 (Sunday), Noon-4 p.m.
MDC West Hartford Reservoir, 1420 Farmington Ave.
Sponsor: Metropolitan District Commission

Displays on water and wastewater treatment; natural resources, hydroelectric generation and household hazardous waste collection.

A performance of "Living the Green Dream," one family's solution to living lightly on the planet.

Live, "unplugged" acoustic bluegrass music by The Eight Mile River Band. Event is free and open to the public.

Top of Page

Maine

Knickerbocker Lake Clean Up
Boothbay, ME
April 22, 2008 (Tuesday), 2:00-4:30
Rain Date: April 23, 2008 (Wednesday)
Knickerbocker Landing, Knickerbocker Lake, off of Barter's Island Road
Sponsor: Town of Boothbay

We will be cleaning trash and other debris from the public landing and picnic area. Volunteers will also clean up brush, and tree limbs, which are slowly covering the ground. The goal is to open up the landing so that the public has better access to its ammenities. New picnic tables will be brought to the Landing once the area is cleaned up. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately, depending on what they might want to participate in. Those carrying branches, brush, etc., may want to bring gloves. A truck will be provided to haul the trash, branches and brush away.

GO GREEN CHALLENGE
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
April 22, 2008 (Tuesday), 10:30-2:00
Nor'Easter Restaurant
Sponsor: Environmental Club at Foxcroft Academy

We will be asking people to pledge to go green! We will also be taking orders for reusable shopping bags and water bottles.

Hermon Maine 1st Annual Community Cleanup
Hermon, Maine
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), 1 to 4pm
Hermon Elementary School
Sponsor: The Greasy Rabbit

Meet at Hermon Elem School. We will split into small groups to clean up litter along Rt 2 and Billings Road.

8th Annual Earth Expo
Machias, ME
April 20, 2008 (Sunday), 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (all activities rain or shine)
University of Maine Machias campus, Kilburn Commons campus building
Sponsor: University of Maine at Machias' Science Club and the Downeast Rivers Coalition

On Sunday, April 20th, the University of Maine at Machias Science Club will host the 8th annual Earth Expo.  The Downeast Rivers Coalition-representing the Narraguagus, Pleasant, Machias, East Machias and Dennys Rivers Watershed Councils, is pleased to co-sponsor this year's event, which promises to be much larger than in previous years.

Representatives from regional conservation organizations, community education centers, and public agencies will be on hand to discuss sustainable practices, regional conservation programs and initiatives, local educational offerings and volunteer opportunities.  Local business vendors will be sharing their eco-friendly products. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kilburn Commons on the University on Maine Machias campus.  All activities are rain or shine.

This year's activities will feature something for everyone, including the first-ever Ultimate Frisbee Earth Challenge tournament, live music, hand-on soil painting, stream delineation and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling workshops, tie-dye T-shirt making (bring your own), puppet shows, face painting, a barbeque lunch and more.

Nearly two-dozen exhibitors will be on hand to provide information on energy conservation, alternative energy, green transportation, recycling, organic products, clean water, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and protection, the Maine Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Program and more. For additional information, e-mail ummscienceclub@gmail.com or tgamache@mainesalmonrivers.org.

Annual Spring Clean Up of Scarborough Marsh & Beaches
Scarborough Marsh, Maine
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), 9:00 - Noon
Rain Date: Sun. Apr. 27, 2008 (Sunday), 9-noon
Scarborough Marsh & Beaches - several locations around town
Sponsors: Friends of Scarborough Marsh (and many others!)

You're invited! In honor of Earth Day, please join us for the town-wide Annual Spring Clean Up of Scarborough Marsh and Beaches on Saturday, April 26, 2008 (9 am - noon).

Bags, plastic gloves, and trash removal will be provided by the Town of Scarborough. Volunteers should bring their own work gloves. For a complete list of sites and meet-up locations »

Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) by Earth Day
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

On behalf of a team of civic leaders in Maine and New Hampshire I am pleased to present our Earth Day project which focuses on reducing the use of petroleum-based plastic grocery shopping bags.

Six months ago about 5 percent of Maine's customers brought their own reusable shopping bags to the store. That number has increased to 10 percent in recent months. Our preliminary Earth Day goal is to increase the number of customers bringing their own bag (BYOB) from the current 10 percent to at least 50 percent by April 22, 2008, and to continue increasing the rate to 90 percent by 2009.

Briefly, the campaign has the following elements:

1. Several dozen elementary school classes in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are participating in a 'contest' to create a design to decorate a reusable shopping bag. The submissions will be showcased at the Maine State House (where I serve as House chair of the Joint Standing Natural Resources Committee) and the 'winning' design will be printed on 1,000 reusable cloth bags.
2. Volunteers at Dartmouth College have advised a group of elementary age children in developing kidsforacoolerplanet.org. The 'kids' are promoting a BYOB program in their region of New Hampshire and Vermont – which includes a carefully developed (at Dartmouth) curriculum unit on plastic bags, suitable for the age group. The Maine branch of this initiative is using the curriculum in classes that are participating in the design contest. College of the Atlantic students are working with local elementary school teachers by presenting variations on the curriculum. An Earth Day celebration at the campus will feature local bag designs at a booth, along with information on the subject.
3. Maine and New Hampshire grocery store chains, including Hannaford and Shaw's, are assisting with the public campaign and the school projects. The stores provide cloth bags for the students to work with and they are promoting the 50 percent BYOB by Earth Day campaign in their stores. The have reduced the price of reusable bags to 59 cents until Earth Day.
4. Progress toward the goal is being measured by the computer system at Hannafords, which coincidentally keeps a record of customers bringing their own bags. Each week as we approach Earth Day we will announce our progress toward the goal.
5. And finally, the Maine Legislature passed a Joint Resolution encouraging participation in the Earth Day campaign. While Earth Day is a helpful inspiration, we will continue working on this initiative through the rest of the year.

For more info, contact Ted Koffman (koffman@coa.edu).

Top of Page

Massachusetts

9th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup
Boston, MA
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), 9am to 12pm
Rain Date: May 3, 2008 (Saturday), in case of severe weather
All along the Charles River
Sponsors: Charles River Watershed Association with other supporting organizations

The Cleanup is organized by Charles River Watershed Association, The Esplanade Association, Charles River Conservancy, City of Newton, The Trustees of Reservations, Senator Tolman's office, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and MA Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Cleanup involves over 2,000 volunteers helping to beautify the Charles River, picking up trash and cleaning the riverbanks at over 40 sites from Milford to Boston. We typically work with groups of volunteers, who we assign to a site near their home or workplace. We provide you with all of the supplies and instructions that you will need to make the cleanup a success - trash bags, gloves, and a t-shirt for each participant.

Healthy Work/Healthy Home
Boston, MA
April 29, 2008 (Tuesday), 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
330 Brookline Ave.
Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

This year we will present the third annual Environmental Action Awards, honoring two teams of BIDMC staff members who have made a difference in our conservation efforts. In addition to the awards, highlights will include a keynote address from Ian Bowles, Secretary of Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary Bowles will discuss efforts by both individuals and the business community to safeguard our environment. There will also be a surprise game show, environmental gift bags and great food. (Reservations are required by calling 617-667-7399.

Afterwards, join us at the Environmental Awareness Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Carl J. Shapiro Bridge. Employees are encouraged to donate used cell phones to benefit the Network/La Red, a shelter for domestic abuse victims; trade in your old mercury thermometers for a free digital thermometer; and recycle your non-alkaline batteries. And don't forget to check out the hybrid vehicle ZIP Car and Segway personal transportation device that will be showcased outside of the Shapiro Clinical Center!

Healthy Work/Healthy Home is part of the medical center's ongoing efforts to make staff and faculty members aware of how saving energy and recycling can not only help BIDMC meet the challenge of environmental responsibility.

Suffolk University Earth Day Extravaganza
Boston, MA
April 22, 2008 (Tuesday), 12-2pm
Suffolk Law School
120 Tremont Street, 1st floor Function Room
Sponsor: Suffolk Law School

Stop by our environmental fair to learn about various campus and community environmental initiatives and volunteer opportunities, while enjoying free snacks and giveaways.  Free and open to the public. 

Earth Day Celebration
Canterville, MA
April 19, 2008 (Saturday), 12 PM – 3 PM
Centerville Library
Sponsors: Centerville Library, Town of Barnstable Health Dept.

Events for children including recycle sculptures, seed cards, solar bead bracelets, Flush-a-Kid (septic system demo) and for accompanying adults coastal living tool kit information focusing on water friendly septic and landscaping practices, pet waste management and boat owner tips.  Celebration put together by Librarian Penny from the Children's Library.

"Think Green" Campaign
Dedham, MA
April 19, 2008 (Saturday) and April 20, 2008 (Sunday), 10am-2pm
Dedham Square, High and Washington Streets
Sponsors: Town of Dedham and Dedham Square Circle

The Town of Dedham and the Dedham Square Circle will be celebrating Earth Day with the launch off the "Think Green" campaign on Saturday April 19th and Sunday, April 20th, from 10-2pm in Dedham Square. This fun-filled family weekend will feature informative discussions on energy and your home, as well as free give-aways, games, and crafts hosted by Dedham Square businesses. Mocha Java Café will be providing FREE Fair Trade Coffee during this celebration, as well as hosting an informative discussion on the Fair Trade movement. On Sunday, April 20th from 10am-12:00pm the Dedham Renewable Energy Committee and the Norwood Alternative Energy Committee will be hosting a FREE screening at the Dedham Community Theater of the award winning environmental documentary The End of Suburbia. Café Bagel located in Dedham has generously donated bagels and coffee for the showing.

The kick off celebration of the "Think Green" campaign in Dedham Square is just the beginning of the community and merchants working together to create a more environmentally friendly square. Join in the celebration and show your support for a greener planet! And remember to "Think Green"!

In an effort to encourage residents to "Think Green" when considering your transportation options to this celebration we are offering free bicycle valet in the Eastern Ave parking lot.

For additional information on the "Think Green" Campaign Kick Off in Dedham Square contact Daniel McCarey (daniel.coexistence@gmail.com) or Amy Haelson (dedhamsquarecircle@gmail.com).

Earth Day Celebration
Framingham, MA
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road
Sponsor: New England Wild Flower Society

EARTH DAY is FREE. Live animal shows include Jungle Encounters at 11, Animal Adventures at 1, and Rain Forest Reptile Show at 3. Plant a sunflower to take home. "Signs of Spring" scavenger hunt and the new "Green Way" environmental fair. Costumed creatures such as Ant Mini and Dottie the Ladybug welcome you and tell their stories about the upcoming BIG BUGS exhibit.

Sustainable Living Festival 2008
Hull, MA
April 19, 2008 (Saturday), 10AM-2PM
Mary Jeannette Murray Bathhouse (Table spaces - inside; if weather is warm, a few tables - outside)
Hull, (Nantasket Beach) MA
Sponsor: Sustainable South Shore

See clean renewable energy - Save on electricity - Save our earth - Save on heating - Save on gas - Have fun - Make connections

• An Earth Day Celebration
• 5th Annual Climate InfoFest
• Wind Turbines
• Solar Power
• Insulating Tips
• Solar Hot Water & Hot Air
• Organic Gardening
• Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
• Beach Restoration
• Kids' Fun
• Music
• Raffles
• and much more

Info (nancy@sustainablesoutshore.org or 781-925-9066)

Earth Day Sustainability Fair and Electronics Recycling
Reading, MA
April 12, 2008 (Saturday), 11 AM to 3 PM
Reading Municipal Light Department
230 Ash Street
Sponsor: Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection

Second Annual Earth Day and Sustainability Fair, with a movie night at 6 PM on April 11. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, products to help you, and town groups and committees working on climate protection, town beautification and environmental protection.

Clean Up Wachusett Reservoir
West Boylston, MA
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), 9:00 A.M.
D.C.R. Division of Water Suppy Headquarters
John Agustus Hall
180 Beaman St
Sponsor: Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Department of Conservation and Recreation Rangers and staff invite you to join them in cleaning up the Wachusett Reservoir in celebration of Earth Day.  Trash bags, gloves, and insect repellant will be provided.  Please meet at the D.C.R. Water Supply Protection Headquarters: John Augustus Hall, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston @ 9:00 A.M. The watershed contains woodlands so please dress appropriately. If You Have Any Further Questions Or Require Directions, Please Call The Wachusett Ranger Station At 978-365-3800

Westborough Town Wide Earth Day Clean-Up
Westborough, MA
May 3rd, 2008 (Saturday), 9:30 AM
Minuteman Park on Upton Road and Chaunch Lake on Lyman Street
Sponsor: Westborough Community Land Trust

Join the annual town-wide litter clean-up sponsored by WCLT! Early birds meet at 6:30 am at West Meadow Plaza traffic island. Families are invited at 9:30 am to Lake Chauncy parking lot or Sandra Pond’s Minuteman Park to be assigned a site to clean up. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes—trash bags will be provided. Rally your neighbors to form a team to pick up litter and beautify the streets in your neighborhood!

Contact: Bruce Tretter (tretter5@charter.net)

ENSR Earth Week Celebration
Westford, MA
April 19, 2008 – April 25, 2008 (This is a week-long celebration)
ENSR Headquarters office
Sponsor: ENSR

To celebrate Earth Week, ENSR will be conducting a Westford roadside clean-up with a local Boy Scout troop. The clean-up will take place on April 19th from 10 am to 12:30 pm. ENSR will also have an office-wide celebration on April 22nd, where employees can calculate their carbon footprint, pick up notebooks made from recycled, re-used paper, and have refreshments. After the office celebration, an ENSR employee will be leading a Westford nature hike so employees can learn about the natural environment around their work. Throughout the week, several speakers from environmental organizations will be presenting at the ENSR Westford office.

Top of Page

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services
Earth Day Web page and calendar

City of Nashua EARTH DAY 2008 CELEBRATION
Nashua, NH
April 19, 2008 (Saturday), 8 am to 1 pm
Nashua Recycling Center / Four Hills Landfill
Nashua, NH 03062
Sponsor: DPW Solid Waste Department

EARTH DAY 2008 CELEBRATION AT THE NASHUA RECYCLING CENTER: Environmental displays, Recycling demonstrations, bus tours of the Four Hills Landfill, refreshments, kids activities and entertainment by Nashua High musicians "The Technocrats." Free NASHUA RECYCLES t-shirts and pencils (while supplies last).

Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) by Earth Day
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

On behalf of a team of civic leaders in Maine and New Hampshire I am pleased to present our Earth Day project which focuses on reducing the use of petroleum-based plastic grocery shopping bags.

Six months ago about 5 percent of Maine's customers brought their own reusable shopping bags to the store. That number has increased to 10 percent in recent months. Our preliminary Earth Day goal is to increase the number of customers bringing their own bag (BYOB) from the current 10 percent to at least 50 percent by April 22, 2008, and to continue increasing the rate to 90 percent by 2009.

Briefly, the campaign has the following elements:

1. Several dozen elementary school classes in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are participating in a 'contest' to create a design to decorate a reusable shopping bag. The submissions will be showcased at the Maine State House (where I serve as House chair of the Joint Standing Natural Resources Committee) and the 'winning' design will be printed on 1,000 reusable cloth bags.
2. Volunteers at Dartmouth College have advised a group of elementary age children in developing kidsforacoolerplanet.org. The 'kids' are promoting a BYOB program in their region of New Hampshire and Vermont – which includes a carefully developed (at Dartmouth) curriculum unit on plastic bags, suitable for the age group. The Maine branch of this initiative is using the curriculum in classes that are participating in the design contest. College of the Atlantic students are working with local elementary school teachers by presenting variations on the curriculum. An Earth Day celebration at the campus will feature local bag designs at a booth, along with information on the subject.
3. Maine and New Hampshire grocery store chains, including Hannaford and Shaw's, are assisting with the public campaign and the school projects. The stores provide cloth bags for the students to work with and they are promoting the 50 percent BYOB by Earth Day campaign in their stores. The have reduced the price of reusable bags to 59 cents until Earth Day.
4. Progress toward the goal is being measured by the computer system at Hannafords, which coincidentally keeps a record of customers bringing their own bags. Each week as we approach Earth Day we will announce our progress toward the goal.
5. And finally, the Maine Legislature passed a Joint Resolution encouraging participation in the Earth Day campaign. While Earth Day is a helpful inspiration, we will continue working on this initiative through the rest of the year.

For more info, contact Ted Koffman (koffman@coa.edu).

Top of Page

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management
Earth Day Web page and calendar
Numerous Community clean up events

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Earth Day Event: 7 Simple Solutions to Save Our Planet
Bristol, RI
April 19, 2008 (Saturday), 10:00 am-4:00pm
1401 Hope Street (RT 114)
http://www.asrieec.org or http://www.asri.org
Sponsors: ABC6 News, Coast 93.3, Cox Communications, National Grid, East Bay Newspapers, REI, Blount Fine Foods, Wal-Mart

The celebration is full of activities for nature enthusiasts of all ages and interests. Take a guided nature hike on the refuge trails down to Narragansett Bay or join an animal interview, recycle your old computer and learn about some amazing critters.  Highlights will include shows by Sparky's Puppets, crafts, children's activities, nature stories, lectures, and exhibitions by Rhode Island's leading environmental organizations. Kids receive a "Passport to Save the Planet," and tally stamps at stations as they learn new ways to conserve water and electricity, reduce waste in the landfill, and help Mom and Dad make better choices for the environment.  The first 500 visitors to Earth Day 2008 receive a free fabric shopping bag courtesy of Coast to Coast Promotional Products.  Contest winners will be named for the annual Audubon environmental essay contest, which encourages students in grades 3 to 12 to explore how transportation affects climate change. Winners will also be announced for the ABC6 art contest that reached into classrooms across the state, inspiring kids to use their creative talents to highlight actions that they can take to help the planet. Ride your bike to the Environmental Education Center on Earth Day and get free admission to the event!

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative / Global Warming Presentation
Kingston, RI
April 16, 2008 (Wednesday), 5:00 pm
URI Kingston Campus: At the Coastal Institute in the Weaver Auditorium
Sponsor: URI Energy Partnership

On Wednesday April 16th at 5:00, there will be a presentation about the Regional Green House Gas Initiative Policy as well as other policies that are being developed to address global warming and energy issues in Rhode Island. It will take place at the Coastal Institute in the Weaver Auditorium on the URI Kingston campus. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is the first major policy that is being used in Rhode Island to address global warming. It is currently in the process of being implemented. There will be three speakers taking part in this event; Director of the Department of Environmental Management Michael Sullivan and Chief of Air Resources Steve Majkut. They will speak about the RGGI and the importance of it for the state. Matt Auten from Environment Rhode Island will also be speaking at the event about policy/legislation that is currently being pushed, including the Global Warming Solution Act of 2008, this and other bills are following the ground work that the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative bill established. I strongly encourage all to attend this event. If you have any question please contact Chris Kearns at kearn141@aol.com or by phone 401-787-4748.

Narragansett Bay Commission
Chairman's River Restoration Earth Day Cleanup
Providence, RI
April 22, 2008 (Tuesday), 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Rain Date: April 24, 2008 (Thursday)
Promenade Street, Delaney Park
Sponsor: Narragansett Bay Commission

Celebrate Earth Day by participating in the NBC Chairman's River Restoration Initiative and helping to clean up the Woonasquatucket River!  The NBC will be organizing and sponsoring our annual Earth Day Cleanup around the Woonasquatucket River in Providence, R.I., meeting at the pedestrian crossing on Promenade Street.  Refreshments, T-shirts and equipment will be provided to all who volunteer.  For more information, please email rivers@narrabay.com.

Olneyville Shines on the Woonasquatucket River Greenway
Providence, RI
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Riverside Mills Park on Aleppo St.
Sponsor: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council

Join City Year Rhode Island, the Olneyville Collaborative, and the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council for this Global Youth Service event. Hundreds of local youth and volunteers will participate in a variety of projects along the greenway including mural painting, mulching, cleaning and more.

To register: Email csteenblok08@cityyear.org or call Cassi at (401) 808-2289.

Riverside Mills Park Improvement Day
Providence, RI
April 24, 2008 (Thursday), 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Riverside Mills Park on Aleppo St.
Sponsor: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council

Over 80 Wheeler School students, plus neighborhood school groups and volunteers will participate in a Riverside Park Improvement Day - mulching trees, mural painting, fence building, community bulletin board making and more. Carpenters are needed for fence-building. Bring your cordless drills!

To register: Email csteenblok08@cityyear.org or call Cassi at (401) 808-2289.

Woonasquatucket River Earth Day Clean-Up
Providence, RI
April 22, 2008 (Tuesday), 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Rain Date: April 24, 2008 (Thursday)
Woonasquatucket River in Providence, Call for meeting location
Sponsors: Narragansett Bay Commissions & Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council

This is an in-water and riverbank clean-up sponsored by the Narragansett Bay Commission. Refreshments, t-shirts, and equipment will be provided! Rain date: April 24. To register: Email rivers@narrabay.com or call NBC at (401) 461-8848.

Earth Day Beach Cleanup
Westerly, RI
April 19, 2008 (Saturday), 10-12pm
Misquamicut State Beach
Sponsor: Save The Bay

Join Save The Bay's South County team in celebrating Earth Day by helping to clean up Misquamicut State Beach in beautiful Westerly, Rhode Island. Bring the whole family! Bags and gloves will be provided. This is a rain or shine event. RSVP: Email shessler@savebay.org or call 401.272.3540 x 130

Top of Page

Vermont

Earth Day Celebration at Hunger Mountain Coop
Montpelier, VT
April 22, 2008 (Tuesday), 10:00am-5:00pm
623 Stone Cutters Way
Sponsor: Hunger Mountain Coop

Come celebrate Earth Day at Hunger Mountain Coop! Learn about simple ways you can save the earth. See how local businesses take care of your environment. Free music! Free samples! Great Prizes! Go for a ride in an electric car! Kids get a "real feel" for the earth at the kids gardening table. You can start saving the earth with our one day specials. It's the perfect time to renew your commitment to the planet.

Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) by Earth Day
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

On behalf of a team of civic leaders in Maine and New Hampshire I am pleased to present our Earth Day project which focuses on reducing the use of petroleum-based plastic grocery shopping bags.

Six months ago about 5 percent of Maine's customers brought their own reusable shopping bags to the store. That number has increased to 10 percent in recent months. Our preliminary Earth Day goal is to increase the number of customers bringing their own bag (BYOB) from the current 10 percent to at least 50 percent by April 22, 2008, and to continue increasing the rate to 90 percent by 2009.

Briefly, the campaign has the following elements:

1. Several dozen elementary school classes in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are participating in a 'contest' to create a design to decorate a reusable shopping bag. The submissions will be showcased at the Maine State House (where I serve as House chair of the Joint Standing Natural Resources Committee) and the 'winning' design will be printed on 1,000 reusable cloth bags.
2. Volunteers at Dartmouth College have advised a group of elementary age children in developing kidsforacoolerplanet.org. The 'kids' are promoting a BYOB program in their region of New Hampshire and Vermont – which includes a carefully developed (at Dartmouth) curriculum unit on plastic bags, suitable for the age group. The Maine branch of this initiative is using the curriculum in classes that are participating in the design contest. College of the Atlantic students are working with local elementary school teachers by presenting variations on the curriculum. An Earth Day celebration at the campus will feature local bag designs at a booth, along with information on the subject.
3. Maine and New Hampshire grocery store chains, including Hannaford and Shaw's, are assisting with the public campaign and the school projects. The stores provide cloth bags for the students to work with and they are promoting the 50 percent BYOB by Earth Day campaign in their stores. The have reduced the price of reusable bags to 59 cents until Earth Day.
4. Progress toward the goal is being measured by the computer system at Hannafords, which coincidentally keeps a record of customers bringing their own bags. Each week as we approach Earth Day we will announce our progress toward the goal.
5. And finally, the Maine Legislature passed a Joint Resolution encouraging participation in the Earth Day campaign. While Earth Day is a helpful inspiration, we will continue working on this initiative through the rest of the year.

For more info, contact Ted Koffman (koffman@coa.edu).

Top of Page