Happy April and Earth Month!
While environmental advocates promote the importance of sustainable practices all year long, this month people and organizations around the world are celebrating dedicated efforts to make Earth cleaner, safer and healthier for all.
In the nation’s capital, people such as Mayor Muriel Bowser are working to honor those who work to uplift the District through sustainability efforts.
“Washington, D.C., is a beautiful, clean city, but that doesn’t just happen,” said Bowser, “it’s because of the teams of public servants who keep our city clean and the many members of our community who make it a priority to take care of their neighborhoods.”
Further, local organizations and institutions are fostering environmental consciousness, such as Nemas Gardens, which teaches people how to grow their own food, and DC Greens, To Go Green, and American University, three of seven 2026 District Sustainability Award honorees. This edition not only highlights their work, but provides guidance and offers a call to action for all people to practice more climate-conscious habits.
This year’s global Earth Month theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is a reminder that it takes a united effort to combat worldwide challenges and ensure a more environmentally friendly future.
Year-round, The Washington Informer’s “Our Earth” section features stories of environmental injustices people face and those around the District and nationwide who are combating these challenges and working to educate, raise awareness and uplift through sustainability practices and programming. As the 2026 theme emphasizes all have a responsibility in caring for the Earth, this special edition includes resources and information about ways to get involved in local environmental efforts in April and beyond.
“The Earth doesn’t need a few people doing everything perfectly; it needs millions of us showing up, caring and taking action together,” Enock Mustapha, CEO of Global Alliance on Environment, located in Ghana, told EarthDay.org. “When a community unites for the planet, small steps become powerful waves of change.”
