Living in Maine, we have a chance every day to celebrate the woods, waters, and coastline that we’re so lucky to call home. But the month of April also brings us Earth Day, a chance to share global awareness to the environmental movement.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Planet vs. Plastics,” focused on rapidly reducing the single-use plastics that are littering our waters and land, choking wildlife, making their way into our bodies, and fueling the climate crisis.
Learn more about the Natural Resources Council of Maine's work on plastic pollution and join the movement by signing our petition to hold plastic polluters accountable.
Throughout April, we’ll have a slate of events our staff will be hosting and participating in across the state. Take a look at the list below. We hope to see you soon!
Week 1: Take Action on Climate!
Thursday April 4, 12:00 p.m.: Join our monthly Climate Action Call with NRCM’s Josh Caldwell and Jack Shapiro. This month, we want to hear from you about the conversations you’ve had in your community around climate change and share ways to take action.
Saturday, April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: We’ll be at the Green Home + Energy Show & Electric Vehicle Expo in South Portland. You can come learn about solar power, heat pumps, air quality and air sealing, electric vehicles, and so much more for creating a green and healthy home.
Week 2: Make Your Voice Heard
Wednesday, April 10, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: The annual Conservation Lobby Day is a chance to join NRCM and partners at the State House in Augusta to connect with legislators on Environmental Priorities Coalition proposals.
Tuesday, April 16, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.: Join NRCM’s Jack Shapiro and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick for a talk about Floating Offshore Wind Energy’s Potential in Maine, and how bringing Maine-made offshore wind will create good-paying jobs and generate the large amounts of clean energy we need to meet our climate goals.
Week 3: Valuing Healthy Waterways
Wednesday, April 17, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.: Join us for the Brunswick Film Screening – “Covenant of the Salmon People,” a 60-minute documentary of the Nez Perce Tribe’s efforts to restore Chinook salmon, followed by a panel discussion.
Thursday, April 18, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.: Join us for the Bangor Film Screening – “Covenant of the Salmon People,” a 60-minute documentary of the Nez Perce Tribe’s efforts to restore Chinook salmon, followed by a panel discussion.
Thursday, April 18, 2:00 p.m.: The annual Aveda Institute “Trashion” Show in Augusta is a can’t miss event! Hear from NRCM's Beth Comeau about our water protection successes and view Aveda students' incredible fashions made from recycled materials. All proceeds benefit NRCM’s work to protect Maine’s environment.
Week 4: Celebrate Earth Day!
Marc Edwards and Vanessa Berry at Farmington Earth Day clean-up 2022
Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Join NRCM’s Vanessa Berry in Freeport at the Green ME Up Festival, a free, fun-filled day for the whole family to take action to keep Maine green.
Saturday, April 20 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: NRCM’s Josh Caldwell will have a table set up in Payson Park at the Portland Earth Day Celebration. This family-friendly event promises a “festival of fun.”
Monday, April 22, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Join NRCM Regional Outreach Coordinator Marc Edwards at the 11th annual Farmington Earth Day Cleanup!
If you’re unable to attend an event or are looking for more inspiration to celebrate on your own, here are some ideas:
🏞️ Take a walk or hike in a local park or public land. Visit our Explore Maine map for some of our suggestions, and share your pictures with us on social media by tagging @NRCMEnvironment
♻️ Promote sustainability in your community with NRCM toolkits
🔌 Look into rebates from Efficiency Maine for weatherization or to electrify your heating, appliances, and lighting
📧 Contact your elected officials about an environmental issue you care about. Find their contact info and a how-to on our Take Action page
🌎 Visit our blog from Earth Day 2020 to see 50 more ideas to celebrate
From all of us here at NRCM, happy Earth Month!
—Kristin Jackson, NRCM Digital Strategist
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