Plastic Wars: Celebrate Earth Day Locally and Globally
Earth Day, on April 22, will serve again as a galvanizing force on ways to save our planet. With the theme of End Plastic Pollution, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is setting a specific focus this year on the importance of reducing the use of plastics and finding more Earth-friendly alternatives (EarthDay.org).
The nonprofit notes that of the approximately 300 million tons of plastic annually produced to make bags, bottles, packages and other commodities worldwide, only about 10 percent is successfully recycled and reused. The rest ends up in landfills or as litter, leaching dangerous chemicals into soil and water, endangering humans and wildlife alike.
EDN asks everyone to pledge to switch to sustainable alternatives, subscribe to its newsletter, spread the word via social media, educate and mobilize citizens to demand action, and donate to support the adoption of a global framework to regulate plastic pollution that will engage individuals, companies and governments worldwide.
Further, EDN is extending people’s ability to take personal responsibility by self-rating and guiding their involvement via practical toolkits. “People can create and follow a plan to reduce their plastic footprint and also share that data to help others via the Billion Acts of Green online campaign,” says Valeria Merino, vice president of Global Earth Day, adding that participants will be able to create an ongoing record and track their commitments. The initiative is also providing materials, tips on organizing cleanup events and social media tie-ins.
Help Fairfield and Litchfield County celebrate and forward progress in sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2018 events.
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Bethel
Community Earth Day Celebration
The Bethel community will celebrate Earth Day by coming together from 10am to 3pm to build and support a healthy environment. The event will include local vendors, non-profit organizations, community groups, artists, craftspeople, farmers, animals and animal lovers, and others dedicated to environmental awareness and preserving our planet.
Free to the public, this family-friendly event is sponsored by the Town of Bethel, Bethel Parks & Rec, and First Congregational Church of Bethel.
For more information, call Heather McMillan at 203-743-1877 or email FCCbSecretary@FirstChurch. Location: Lawn of the Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel.
Stamford
ArborEarth Day at Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
From 10am to 3pm, Stamford’s Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens will welcome the public for a fun family festival. As the original home of Dr. Frances Bartlett, “the father of arboriculture”, the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a prime location to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day. Families will enjoy listening to music, touring the Bartlett’s gardens, viewing tree climbing and planting demonstrations, and visiting booths to learn about gardening, nature and conservation.
Kids will learn about backyard critters and pollinators, face painting, storytelling, composting, riding in a cherry picker, and crafting. This is a free event and lunch will be available for purchase.
Located in north Stamford, Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is a living museum with majestic trees, gardens, wildlife, walking trails, natural habitats and landscapes. It serves as a recreational and educational resource for visitors, hosting a range of innovative classes, certificate programs in master gardening and arboriculture, gardening symposiums, summer concerts, garden tours, summer nature camp, and STEAM-based children’s school-day and after-school programs.
For more information, call 203-883-4035 or email Mike Belletzkie at [email protected]. Location: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford. See ad, page 23.
Washington Depot
Washington Earth Day 5K and Sneaker Drive
The Washington Environmental Council and the Steep Rock Association invites you to celebrate Earth Day with a great 5K and shoe drive. Beginning at 9am, the 5K course meanders along the Shepaug River through the Steep Rock preserve on a dirt road with beautiful scenery. This mostly flat run is a great course for beginners and veterans alike. The end of the run will feature snacks, conversation and prizes.
In honor of Earth Day, they ask all runners to bring their own water bottles. The event will also offer a sneaker drive. Please bring gently used sneakers tied together by the laces; all shoes will be donated through Woodbridge Running Company in Brookfield to the Rerun program. Rerun sends all donated sneakers to Africa to live a second life.
Same-day registration for the 5K will take place from 7:30 to 8:45am. The individual cost to run or walk is $25. Kids 12 and under run free.
For more information, call 860-868-9131. Location: Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot.
Woodbury
23rd Annual Earth Day Celebration
One of the largest Earth Day celebrations in Connecticut, the Woodbury Earth Day Celebration will take place from 11am to 4pm at Hollow Park. The event will offer attendees live music, food, an artisan market and earth-friendly activities for the entire family.
Visitors will enjoy a lively vendor fair with over 100 local vendors, artisans, farmers and growers, and local area nonprofits. The Golden Button will present creative projects in the dedicated Kids’ Tent. Visitors can also take part in demonstrations and activities like a live birds of prey presentation, learn how to tie fishing flies with the Trout Unlimited, bond with rescue dogs at the Spotty Dog kissing booth, assemble a rain barrel, and more.
The entertainment main stage will showcase many popular local musicians, and Bring the Hoopla will get visitors moving with their hula hoop zone. A diverse food court will serve favorite eats to help fuel attendees throughout the day.
The Raffle for the River will benefit event host Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, a Woodbury-based environmental nonprofit. The raffle features seven prizes, including a Cannondale Adventure 2 Hybrid bike from Class Cycles in Southbury, a Mini-Max Big Green Egg from Woodbury Farm Market, a $500 gift card to New Morning Market and more. Raffle tickets are already on sale. The drawing will be held at Woodbury Earth Day (winner need not be present to win).
For more information on Woodbury Earth Day, volunteer opportunities and Raffle for the River, call 203-263-0076 or visit WoodburyEarthDay.org. Location: Hollow Park, Hollow Rd, Woodbury. See ad, page 25.
SUNDAY, APRIL 22
New Milford
Fundraiser for Wildlife Line at Harrybrooke Park
Sherman’s The Wildlife Line will be featured at the Earth Day event and fundraiser at Harrybrooke Park from 11am to 4pm. The Wildlife Line is a local wildlife rehabilitation center run by Debbie Corcione. During the event, Corcione will educate visitors about local wildlife, how humans should react and co-exist, and what it’s like to work with wild animals as a licensed rehabber.
There will be a variety of farm animals and pets at the event, as well as demonstrations and education on proper animal care, information about local rescues, and animal adoptions. Local farms, alternative energy providers, holistic services and “green”-focused businesses will be present for attendees to learn more about healthy choices, natural products, sustainability, relaxation techniques and alternative medicine. Other event highlights include a bee keeper, gardening tips, poisonous plant identification, awareness about ticks and sun protection.
There is no cost to enter or park. The event will run rain or shine. The Wildlife Line’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife, and return them to their natural habitat.
For more information about the event, visit Facebook.com/Wildlifeline. Learn more about the nonprofit at TheWildlifeLine.org. Location: Harrybrooke Park, 100 Still River Dr, New Milford.
Trumbull
Discovery Hike
From 2 to 3pm, Trumbull Nature and Arts Center (TNAC) will host a free discovery hike for kids from four to 12 years of age. Visitors will learn about the three powers needed to be true a naturalist, and use binoculars to explore the trees and sky.
TNAC provides children with art and nature programs, giving them the opportunity to experience enriching extracurricular activities. In our art programs, artists and various media are explored, allowing each student to display his or her natural creativity.
For more information, call 203-452-4421 or email [email protected]. Location: Trumbull Nature and Arts Center, 7115 Main St, Trumbull.
Deadline December 12th. Email 
