By Claire Attkisson
Earth Day 2023 is fast approaching, and citizens and organizations alike are gearing up to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of taking care of the planet. On April 22, people from all over the world will come together, get involved, and renew their commitment to advocate for the Earth.
Earth Day Durango is a local volunteer group organizing Earth Month events and the Earth Day parade on Main and the celebration at Buckley Park on April 22. According to Earth Day Durango’s website, the purpose of their efforts is to “inspire businesses, organizations, and people of all ages, through fun and learning, to: live, shop, and run a business more sustainably; take meaningful action at home, work, and in the community; reduce carbon emissions; and promote social justice.” In doing so, “the human population can course correct, and create an economy and a climate fit for life.”
Earth Day Durango teamed up with Sustainable Durango and Local First to lead the public relations campaign to inspire people to attend sustainability events occurring in April during Earth Month. Events include:
April 1-22: Earth Month Bingo. Take 5 Actions Toward Sustainability in April for a chance to win up to $500 in prizes. Actions include: “purchase three or more native plants” or “sign up for compost service or start home composting” for the chance to win prizes. Prizes include an apple leather purse donated by Durango Sustainable Goods, a zero waste home and cleaning basket donated by WeFill, and more. Free event. Prizes will be awarded at the Earth Day Celebration at Buckley Park on April 22.
April 17, 6-8pm: Film, Kiss the Ground presented in partnership with Earth Day Durango, the Durango chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, and the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Durango. The documentary Kiss the Ground makes the case that by regenerating the Earth’s soils, we can balance the climate, replenish the water supply, keep species off the extinction list, and better feed the world. Location: Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Durango Church, 419 San Juan Dr. (near Needham Elementary) Free event.
April 19: Trash Pickup Event hosted by Durango High School’s Green Team. 5-6:30pm. Free event. Info: greenteamdurango@gmail.com
April 20: Electronic Recycling Event hosted by Durango Montessori School, 8-5:30pm. Location: La Plata County Fairgrounds. By donation.
April 22: Sage and Zia Restaurants present Earth Day Durango 2023
Parade: Meet at Main Ave & College Dr at 10am in Durango. This year the parade theme is The Procession of the Species. The public is invited to dress up as their favorite tree, animal, fungi and more and then walk or bike to Buckley Park for the official Earth Day celebration.
Celebration at Buckley Park, Durango. 11-3pm. This is a free event open to the public to experience sustainable business and social justice booths, music, Ballet Folklorico dancers, The Secret Circus Society, food, sustainability workshops, fun for kids, a “trash-to-treasure” art and maker space, face painting, and more.
For a complete list of Earth Month events, films, workshops, and podcasts visit: https://www.earthdaydurango.com
A key goal of Earth Day Durango is to inspire action through education. This is a zero waste event made possible with support from the City of Durango, Table to Farm Compost, the BringIt! Campaign, the Durango High School Green Team, and participants. Event organizers are requesting that attendees bring their own travel mug, takeout container or bowl, and utensils. Some will be for sale at the event.
For more information on Earth Day Durango events, bingo, and workshops visit: https://www.earthdaydurango.com/.
Claire Attkisson is Founder and Creative Director at Live Creative Studio.