Achieving our zero-waste and climate-action goals will require a lot of different people putting their interests, skills, talents, and connections to work in a lot of different areas. Here are some ways the county is taking action and ideas for getting involved this Earth Day so you can find an opportunity that works for you! Read more about how we’re celebrating Earth Day 2024 and how you can be part of the solution.
Cleaning up and protecting lakes, rivers, and streams
The county has accepted the challenge to participate in the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup to help keep our waters clean and healthy.
Be part of the solution by joining a cleanup event, organizing your own cleanup and reporting your results, or signing up to Adopt-a-Drain.
Advancing a zero-waste future
The county is focused on implementing the Zero Waste Plan.
Be part of the solution by signing up for food waste prevention tips and reminders, starting organics recycling, choosing used building materials and home furnishings, and learning the real story behind recycling.
Planting and caring for trees
The county is over one-third of the way toward achieving our climate-action goal of planting 1 million trees with the help of cities, partners, and residents by 2030.
Be part of the solution by planting and caring for trees and attending an Arbor Day celebration.
Learning and connecting in our communities
The county provides environmental education to support a community that has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivation, and commitment to work individually and collectively toward sustaining a healthy environment.
Be part of the solution by attending an Earth Day event, talking about climate change and environmental issues with your family, friends and neighbors, encouraging a community organization or school to apply for a Green Partners grant, and joining our environmental education network.
Conserving energy and switching to renewable energy
The county is taking steps to conserve energy, use energy more efficiently, and transition to clean, renewable energy in county facilities.
Be part of the solution by exploring energy efficiency actions you can take, learning about rebates and incentives for solar and other renewable and energy efficient systems, finding options for energy efficient appliances, and learning about innovative financing available for commercial projects.
Getting around sustainably
The county plans, funds, builds, and manages a transportation network that includes an increasingly dense network of transit options, bikeways, and walkways.
Be part of the solution by biking, walking, taking public transit, or carpooling, investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle, and cutting down on airplane travel by planning a local eco-getaway.