Earth Day is here!

Earth Day photo illustration

The Sustainability Department invites you to join in the fun of making a cleaner, greener Asheville at home, at work, and in our community. Keep reading to find ways to get involved and have a positive impact, while enjoying the outdoors and our community. Earth Day is today, but if it snuck up on you there’s a whole nine days left in Earth Month to have fun with earth-focused events!

  • Check out the Asheville Greenworks calendar to join a neighborhood cleanup, plan your own cleanup, or help out during a tree nursery workday! 

    Amanda Levesque, left, and Clare Hanrahan check on plants at the Elder & Sage Community Garden, 33-35 Page Ave., downtown. Planking and raised beds make the garden accessible to those in wheelchairs.

  • Tag in with Bountiful Cities to attend a workshop or to get your hands in the soil at a community garden workday. Find more details on their calendar!!
  • Sign up for notifications about the Electrify Asheville Buncombe initiative that will help you save money while reducing your carbon footprint. 
  • Review and take action on energy saving ideas for your home today! Check out this awesome Green Built Alliance resource for inspiration and information about putting Inflation Reduction Act incentives to work in your household! 
  • Get better acquainted with the critters in our streams (Macroinvertebrates are cool!).  This family fun stream exploration guide can take your adventures to the next level of exploration and appreciation. Or take a look at the WaterRICH guide to up your water stewardship game.
  • Celebrate Food Waste Reduction Month
    • Step out for the 3rd annual “Taste it Don’t Waste it” chef’s challenge where local celebrity chefs will share creative dishes made from foods we might otherwise throw away. Vote for your favorite bites! More information and event details are on the Food Waste Solutions WNC webpage
  • less plastic asheville logo a blue circle with leaf and outline of city hallThere’s still time to participate in our Less Plastic Asheville Challenge. Take the challenge, play some bingo, and win fun prizes!

There are many ways to reduce waste, like buying the right amount of food or using reusable bags, and when we do make trash, let’s commit to putting it where it belongs to preserve and protect our environment and natural resources. Learn more about backyard composting and local food scraps drop-offs, recycling opportunities, or take a virtual tour at Curbie’s recycling Center and do your part this Earth Month!