Earth Day is a day used to create awareness about the urgency of acting toward the care of our planet, not just on Earth Day, but every day! Here are a few ways we can help to preserve our environment now and for generations to come. Join us as we honour the day and do our part here in Red Deer’s backyard.
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "Rs" to conserve natural resources and landfill space. You can do this by donating unwanted items to various thrift stores or participating in the City of Red Deer’s Kick it to the Curb program, which happens the third weekend of every month from May to October.
Volunteer
Volunteer for cleanups in your community like the Green Deer Spring Cleanup Campaign happening throughout the City from March 21 to May 31. Registration is free and your supplies can be picked up from the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.
Educate
When you further your education on environmental care, you can help lead others to understand the importance and value of our natural resources. The City of Red Deer offers several programs and events that support environmental protection. Research your community and educate yourself on the programs in place for a cleaner and greener planet.
Conserve Water
The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that will eventually end up in the ocean. One of the ways is to purchase a rain barrel from places like Peavey Mart, a great way to conserve water and get some money-saving help from Mother Nature.
Local Food Choices
Make a point of visiting Farmers Markets in your area, a favourite of ours is the Gasoline Alley Farmers' Market. A wonderful way to support and use what is locally produced and reduces transportation emissions and other factors involved with importing products from outside sources.
Shop Wisely
Forgo the plastic bags and bring reusable bags when you are out shopping at places like Little Red Barn for handpicked gift ware or toting home delicious cupcakes and baked goods from Cakes & Doe.
Plant a Tree
Trees provide food and oxygen for our environment and help to clean the air and combat climate change. Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre has over 500 varieties of trees, perfect for your landscaping needs.
Keep Chemicals out of Waterways
Choose non-toxic chemicals inside and outside of your home and even at the office. When alternatives are not an option, be sure to follow label guidelines for the proper use and disposal of these chemicals.
Bike or Walk
Leave the car at home and make use of the over 100 km of City trails to get to work, a great way to reduce those greenhouse emissions. Good for you and the environment!
Build a Bat House
Bats are essential to our ecosystem, not only do they get rid of pesky mosquitoes, but their role also includes pollinating and dispersing the seeds of hundreds of species of plants. Kerry Wood Nature Centre will be offering a series of Bat House Building workshops from April 21 to 25.
Contributing a little or a lot on Earth Day and toward the ongoing care of our planet adds up. Thank you for your efforts in helping to make Red Deer’s backyard and Earth, a healthier more beautiful place to live, work and play.
To find the latest updates regarding Alberta’s Enhanced Public Health Measures, please CLICK HERE.
