Every April, people around the world uplift environmental efforts and progress in celebration of Earth Day, on April 22, with this year’s global theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”
Through individual and collective action and raising awareness of renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, environmental activists note that the goal of tripling the global generation of clean energy by 2030 becomes more possible.
While it takes a unified front to truly create change and improve the environment, just one person’s actions can contribute to the collaborative efforts and build a greener, cleaner planet.
From keeping the city clean to using public transportation or even acknowledging the fight for environmental justice, there are a plethora of ways in the DMV area to help take preventative action and protect the planet.
GWRCCC Earth Day 5K, April 19:
The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) is determined to further the fight for implementing more alternative and renewable energy sources and adamant about educating the public on ways to lead the city toward a sustainable future.
To further its mission, the coalition will host its inaugural Earth Day 5K and Green Expo on April 19 on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol at 10 a.m.
While participants are walking, experts from government, industry and nongovernmental agencies will present products and strategies showcasing how renewable energy and advanced technologies can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the environment. Since transportation is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the GWRCCC hopes to bring those issues to the community’s attention.
“How do we reduce pollution in the transportation sector by using cleaner energy and alternative fuels to improve public health? That’s been our role for over 30 years,” said GWRCCC Executive Director Antoine Thompson. “We’ve got a lot of good things, but we’ve got a long way to go.”
Anacostia Riverkeeper Clean Waterways Cleanup, April 19:
Following efforts from federal and District governments to mitigate risks to the Anacostia River’s water quality, the body of water finally received a passing grade on the 2024 State of the River Report– a feat that has only occurred four times in the last seven years.
Since 2008, Anacostia Riverkeeper has combined advocacy, community outreach and research to help ensure a healthy river fit for swimming and fishing. On April 19, the organization will host a river cleanup at Kenilworth Park starting at 10 a.m. The event will take place regardless of the weather, and participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and attire they don’t mind staining.
Aside from the river cleanup, Anacostia Riverkeeper regularly hosts trash cleanups, family fishing events and boat tours to educate the public about the watershed, the threats it faces and the steps necessary to ensure a clean river.
“We have one of the most beautiful natural resources I can think of right in our nation’s capital,” said Quinn Molner, the organization’s director of operations. “And so our mission is to make that an opportunity for everyone who comes into our watershed’s boundaries to experience that and enjoy it to its fullest extent.”
UDC CAUSES Earth Fest, April 22:
To promote environmental consciousness across generations, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) land grant centers will host a family-friendly celebration on Earth Day at the East Capitol Urban Farm, emphasizing the impact of collective action on sustainable practices.
Attendees will be able to witness tree planting demos, a crucial initiative to reach the District’s goal of increasing the city’s tree canopy from 35% to 40% by 2032. Improving tree canopy in the nation’s captial requires a 25% increase in tree planting rates.
According to the District of Columbia Urban Tree Canopy Plan, a more healthy and robust canopy will offer a reduction in stormwater volumes, improved air quality as more greenhouse gases will be trapped and a reduction of the urban heat island effect.
This UDC CAUSES celebration will serve as a means of getting younger generations more involved in environmentalism and sustainability, exposing them to the work that needs to be done to ensure the District has a fruitful future.
“At CAUSES, our approach goes beyond traditional academics– the community is our classroom,” said CAUSES Dean Dwane Jones, Ph.D. “We are incredibly proud of our community-based approach, which not only serves District residents, but also provides a model for relevant learning far beyond our region.”
