Celebrating Earth Day!

Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to address pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire activism, and advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainability and conservation.

This past weekend, we had a fantastic time celebrating the Earth and alternative transportation in the City of Decatur. On Saturday, April 20th, members of the community, along with the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), City Manager Andrea Arnold, Capital Projects Manager Hugh Saxon, Mayor Patti Garrett, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers, and Parks and Recreation Director Greg White, gathered to cut the ribbon and officially celebrate the new cycle track built throughout the streets of Decatur. We’re thrilled to have dedicated bike lanes as we continue our commitment to being the most bike-friendly city in Georgia. As the only Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community in the state, Decatur’s dedication to enhancing cycling infrastructure shines brightly.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we headed to the square to celebrate Earth Day with what the City of Decatur does best, a festival! The Earth Day Festival presented by the City of Decatur’s Environmental Sustainability Board and Park and Recreation Department was filled with community spirit, environmental awareness, and fun activities for all ages! The day kicked off with performances by the Atlanta Conundrums and Capoeira Maculelê, followed by inspiring words from Mayor Garrett about Decatur’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability. We also had the honor of congratulating our City Arborist, Kay Evanovich, who was named the Georgia Arborist Association’s 2023 Arborist of the Year!

Throughout the festival, the Quincy Carter Foundation presented scholarships to local area teens, and we enjoyed tunes from DJ K-KAT, one of our talented second graders and Animal Crackers participant.

Here are some additional ways to celebrate Earth Day today and throughout the year:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste and conserve resources by practicing the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle.
2. Plant Trees: Participate in tree-planting initiatives to improve air quality and provide habitat for wildlife.
3. Clean up the Environment: Organize or participate in neighborhood clean-up events to protect wildlife and prevent pollution.
4. Support Sustainable Practices: Choose eco-friendly products and support businesses that prioritize sustainability.
5. Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about environmental issues and support organizations working to protect the planet.

Earth Day is a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment and take meaningful steps to protect it for future generations. Let’s work together to make every day Earth Day!