“Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable.”

 

The theme of this year’s Earth Day—officially celebrated on Friday, April 22—is Invest In Our Planet, and invites people, businesses and governments around the world to “act boldly, innovate broadly and implement equitably.”

Although we’ve expanded our 1% campaign to include support for a wide range of community initiatives in Central Oregon, the cornerstone of our charitable giving is environmental causes. We believe everyone can make a difference. In our office, we’ve seen firsthand that small changes can add up, like using technology to replace paper whenever possible. Updating processes and creating new habits are good business and good for the planet.

Fortunately, through the efforts of EarthDay.org, Earth Day is celebrated in almost 200 countries worldwide, and since its inaugural celebration in 1970, has mobilized one billion people for the future of the planet.

Locally, our beloved Earth Day Parade and Fair in Downtown Bend is back as an in-person event this year for the first time since 2019. This colorful and joyful event is family-friendly, and attendees are encouraged to wear costumes inspired by our natural world. You can find inspiration for costumes in this video.

Fodé Sylla will be performing at this year’s Earth Day Fair at Troy Field.

The celebration begins on Saturday, April 23, at the corner of NW Louisiana Avenue and NW Bond Street, where participants will gather beginning at 11 a.m. for a short parade to Troy Field. In addition to live music, dancing performances and local food, the Earth Day Fair from noon to 3 p.m. will feature a Kids’ Zone and electric vehicle demonstrations. Attendees are asked to bring their own cups and utensils to help make the Earth Day celebration as low impact as possible.

If you’re looking for other ways to participate in Earth Day locally, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is hosting an Earth Day Fashion Show on Friday, April 22, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and will highlight the Clothing Connection initiative which provides gently used clothing to students for school, job interviews, work and field placements.

For a hands-on volunteer experience, Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area will be hosting a cleanup near the Wild and Scenic Middle Deschutes River on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can get more information and register here.

Earth Day is a great reminder that we have an opportunity to celebrate and protect our natural world every day. Want some weekly inspiration? Check out EarthDay.org’s 52 Ways to Invest in Our Planet for ideas.

—Mollie

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