“Invest in Our Planet” is the theme for Earth Day on April 22 and local organizations such as Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), Indiana RecycleForce and Indy Parks are offering ways for Marion County residents to get involved.
Every Saturday and some Sundays in April KIB hosts litter removal, invasive species removal and tree planting at local parks, churches and neighborhoods. On April 23, KIB is partnering with the Indianapolis Black Firefighter Association and Eway Foundation to host its annual April Great Indy Cleanup in the Keystone-Monon community. The cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. at Arsenal Park, 1400 E. 46th St. KIB President and CEO Jeremy Kranowitz said.
KIB also hosts “plogging” events throughout the year where residents can pick up litter, walk around and drink local beers, according to Kranowitz.
Tree planting and investing in green infrastructure makes people happier, healthier and safer, Kranowitz said, and everyone is encouraged to take a small part in investing in the planet, globally and locally.
“Any one person doesn’t have a responsibility to solve the whole problem, but we all have a responsibility to solve some of the problem,” Kranowitz said.
Those interested in volunteering can do so by visiting the KIB website.
The Office of Sustainability and RecycleForce will have a free drive-thru electronic recycling event for residents to donate their electronics from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23 at Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Road. If it has a cord attached, it is probably safe to recycle, said Imani Keith, public information officer at the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. However, items with freon will not be accepted.
For those who want to get involved but have busy schedules, KIB and Indy Parks have partnered to offer free cleaning supplies such as trash bags and gloves at any Indy Parks family life center. This allows community members to clean their neighborhoods when their schedule allows.
“There is an opportunity for all of us to do a little something often,” Kranowitz said. “And that doesn’t mean that one person has to do it all every day, but we all can do a little bit to make a difference.”
