By Claire Attkinson
Earth Day Durango is excited to announce its plans for Earth Day 2024, happening on Saturday, April 20, from 11am to 3pm at Buckley Park.
This year’s theme, aligned with the international Earth Day organization, is ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.
Celebrate! Learn! Act!
Earth Day Durango’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to live more sustainably through fun and engaging educational activities. This year’s event will feature a “Procession of the Species” parade on Main Street, followed by a celebration at Buckley Park with:
- Live music: Tha ‘Yoties
- Delicious food: Sample a variety of plant based food from local vendors.
- Educational booths: Learn about environmental issues and sustainable solutions from local organizations.
- Family-friendly activities: Keep the kids entertained with games, crafts, and educational activities.
- Art exhibits showcasing the theme of Planet vs. Plastics: View artwork created by local artists that explores the impact of plastic on our planet.
Tackling the Problem of Plastics
Plastics are a convenient material, but their production and disposal have a significant negative impact on our planet. Earth Day Durango is committed to raising awareness about this issue and encouraging people to take action.
Throughout the month of April, Earth Day Durango will host a variety of workshops and events related to reducing plastic use:
Thursday, April 11:
4:30-6 pm: Exhibition Opening – Coloradans and our Shared Environment in Times of Challenge and Change at Fort Lewis College. View artwork exploring the environmental challenges facing Colorado.
7 pm: Fashion Reimagined (movie) at 1259 Main Ave. Explore the environmental impact of the fashion industry. (Watch trailer and buy tickets online)
Sunday, April 14:
4:30-6 pm: Plant-based Instant Pot Cooking Class at Luv Tempeh. Learn to cook delicious plant-based meals in an Instant Pot. (Limited to 10 people, $5)
Monday, April 15:
5:30 pm: Purging Plastic with Progression, not Perfection at Durango Public Library. Learn tips on reducing plastic use in your daily life. (Spanish translation provided)
Wednesday, April 17:
5 pm: Building Soil: The Foundation of a Flourishing and Sustainable Garden at SOIL Community Garden. Learn how to create healthy soil for
your garden. (Workshop includes materials and seeds)
Saturday, April 20:
9 am – 3 pm: Electric vehicle ride and drive at La Plata Fairgrounds. Learn about the benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles. (Presented by Four Corners Electric Vehicle Association)
Earth Day Festival Schedule 11:00 – 3:00 pm
10:30 Procession of the Species Parade (Gather at Main and College at 10:10, walk down Main to arrive at Buckley around 11 am.)
11:00 – 3:00 Celebration at Buckley Park
Ballet Folklorico
Awards for best parade costumes
Bike Maintenance/Helmet Fit workshop
Four Corners Radio broadcast, raffle to win e-bike, benefits United Way Solar powered toy car races
DHS poetry reading
Sustainable fashion show
Story time
Bingo drawing (12:30, must be present to win) Live music: Tha ‘Yoties
Sunday, April 21:
10 am – 2 pm: Repair Café @ Durango Tool Library. Get help repairing broken items instead of throwing them away. Free event with refreshments on-site for purchase.
Join the Movement! Earth Day Durango encourages everyone to join the fight against plastic pollution. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Attend Earth Day Durango events throughout the month of April.
- Visit the Earth Day Durango website (https://www.earthdaydurango.com) to learn more about the organization and its mission.
- Reduce your single-use plastic consumption.
- Bring your own reusable bags, bottles, and containers when shopping and dining out.
- Recycle all plastic you can.
- Support businesses committed to sustainability.
Together, we can make a difference!