With snow falling as late as April 17 this spring, Mother Nature hasn’t exactly been Minnesota’s “sweetheart,” but we can’t let our crazy cold and extra snowy winter diminish the many wonderful things Mother Nature is responsible for providing. And because we can forgive her temporary lapse in judgment (and because she redeemed herself on Easter with a beautiful sunny and warm spring day), we thought it was important to acknowledge Earth Week.
One way you can focus on environmental issues during “Earth Week,” (Earth Day is April 22) is by heading over to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for the annual “Party for the Planet,” in partnership with Xcel Energy this weekend—April 25-27—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This party reinforces the concept that it’s cool and fun to conserve.
Many neighborhoods are also hosting annual clean-ups this weekend. In Minneapolis, you can help pick up trash along the Minneapolis River Gorge on Saturday, April 26 from 2-4 p.m. Bring your own gloves, feel good about cleaning up trash along the parkway trail, and enjoy pizza from Parkway Pizza. Many neighborhoods host citywide spring clean-ups. Contact your local city hall for more information.
The best way to do our part is by adopting earth-friendly habits on a daily basis: drive less, eat locally-sourced fruits and veggies, take shorter showers, use reusable shopping bags, and buy recycled whenever possible.
In the wise words of anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
