“Partner, Plan and Promote: Connect Earth Day to your Community"

It’s Earth Day! So take a deep breath (and let’s not make it political). Earth Day is an annual event celebrated Today, April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It is a crucial opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and take action toward preserving our planet for future generations. (yada, yada, yada)

I get it - but this is a communicator’s blog, earth day is an opportunity to partner, plan and promote! As the PIO for local government, here are five ways you can promote Earth Day by incorporating the various departments of our organization:

1. Organize a county-wide clean-up event:

Work with the Department of Public Works to coordinate a clean-up event in local parks, beaches, or neighborhoods. Encourage residents to participate and show their commitment to keeping our community clean and green. This event will give you insight into two key metrics.

(1.) Who are the people and organizations who care about the environment

(2.) Who are the residents who are willing to put boots on the ground

Make sure to capture emails on a signup sheet to utilize for all future related events

2. Host an educational workshop or seminar:

Partner with the Environmental Resources Division to host an educational workshop or seminar on topics such as recycling, composting, energy conservation, and sustainable living practices. Empower residents with the knowledge and tools to make environmentally-friendly choices. At my last job, I had the privilege of working with one of the best environmental managers, I have ever encountered throughout my career. I must say that his department is "innovative" and his team is always on the cusp of groundbreaking initiatives within the field. I would mention his name but Ben is too modest.

3. Implement a green initiative within county offices:

Collaborate with the Manager’s Office to implement a green initiative within county offices, such as reducing paper waste, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging employees to carpool or use public transportation. I once used a simple aluminum can, plastic bottle contest, to see which department could bring in the most. It was fun, we recycled the materials and gave the money to a landfill initiative to reduce carbon.

4. Partner with local businesses and organizations:

Reach out to local arbor societies, planting clubs or businesses like Lowe’s and Home Depot, who have robust gardening resources, to collaborate on Earth Day initiatives, such as tree planting events, eco-friendly product showcases, or fundraising campaigns for environmental causes. By working together, we can amplify our impact and make a difference in our community.

5. Launch a social media campaign:

Utilize the expertise and resources of your Communications Department to create a social media campaign highlighting the importance of Earth Day and providing tips for sustainable living. Engage residents online and inspire them to take action in their daily lives.

The Wrap-Up: Celebrating Earth Day is not just a one-day event, but a continuous commitment to protecting our planet and promoting sustainability. By engaging residents, educating the community, and taking action through various initiatives, we can make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.

For more information and resources on Earth Day, visit the official Earth Day Network website at earthday.org and the Environmental Protection Agency's Earth Day page at epa.gov/earthday. Let's come together as a county and make every day Earth Day!

One of my first projects as a Local Government Consultant was for the City of Greenville NC the Froggs Organization. We released a video for the Greenway Project on Earth Day (check it out below).