This year marks a special anniversary, with 2025 being the 55-year marker for Earth Day.
Kathleen Sheppard, executive director of Environment Lethbridge, says the day offers a great chance to not only celebrate the planet, but to take on any conservation-related initiatives you might have on your to-do list.
“The challenge that I would issue to people in Lethbridge is if there is an environmental action that you have been considering, now is a great time to do that,” she says.
“Whether that’s looking at ways you can conserve water in your home and garden or even something as simple as planting a tree. [There are] lots of great opportunities to kind of put your good intentions into actions.”
Sheppard notes that although Earth Day is a prime time to take action, the conversation around conservation should be year-round.
“That really is the importance of Earth Day – that it is not just one day a year [where] you do some environmental things – it’s about sort of looking forward to the year ahead and thinking about those things you can do.”
She adds that in Lethbridge, water is top of mind for many, especially as warmer conditions become more frequent. “This is maybe a great time to think about ways that people can be more water-conscious,” Sheppard says. “As we’re headed into summer, one of the things we really encourage people [to do] is to look at their outdoor water use.”
“Everybody in Lethbridge uses quite a bit more water in the summer months than in the winter, keeping those lawns and gardens alive, so whether it’s something like getting a rain barrel or just getting a timer for your watering so that you’re not overwatering your lawn or garden – those are really simple things that you can do that can really cut your water usage,” she adds.
With Earth Day falling on a Tuesday, the City of Lethbridge is set to host an event at Legacy Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 to keep the conversation going.
You can learn more about areas like the Adopt-A-Park program, composting in the community and storm drains. The event will also include a litter cleanup.
More information is at the City of Lethbridge website.
