It’s Earth Day, Weston, and a beautiful one at that. As you probably know, Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22 since 1970–it’s a day to show Mother Earth you care. Put down your poison pens about the Tree By-Law and put away your gas-powered leaf blowers for the day, and consider taking part in any of the many Earth Day activities both online and in person. Be one of the Billion Acts of Green– you can read about these global events here.

Many of Weston’s Earth Day events are scheduled for next week, given this week is when many are away for spring break. It doesn’t matter if your green act is today, tomorrow or next week–if every person in Weston (population around 11,000) makes a commitment to community, change and climate, we’re 11,000 acts closer to making it better.

Here are some ideas:

Today, April 22, 2022, 4-6 pm. Town Cleanup activities are scheduled with Weston Emergency Reserve Corps along Wellesley Street. Bring your own gloves, yellow bags (if you have them) and sunny disposition. Meet at 487 Wellesley Street (first driveway south of Mass Pike).

Through April 30, 2022: Town Clean-Up activities all over Weston. Make a change on your road, or any of the roads and parks of Weston. You can read more here or see activities on Facebook.

Wednesday, April 27, 7-8:30 pm: Living A Zero Waste Lifestyle: Everything You Wanted to Know about Recycling But Were Afraid to Ask. Hybrid (online and in-person at First Parish Church of Weston, 349 BPR). Learn about the importance of “recycling right” and identifying what’s recyclable and what’s not. Delve into recycling waste streams by material: metals, glass, paper/cardboard, and plastics, and ask questions specific to your situation. More information here.

Saturday, April 30, 10 am -2 pm: Earth Day Celebrations at Land’s Sake Farm with Sustainable Weston Action Group, Land’s Sake, and many local community organizations.  Enjoy the outdoors while engaging in various ‘education stations’ set up all over the farm, great for the whole family and environment lovers of all ages! More information is available here.

May 1, 4 – 5 pm. It’s Night Time – It’s Supposed to Be Dark zoom presentation by Smith Astronomy Professor James Lowenthal, sponsored by Weston Forest & Trail Association. Have you heard of the Dark Sky Movement?  The idea of it is that a naturally dark night is an essential part of the ecosystem.  It may seem harmless, but light pollution has far-reaching consequences, from increased rates of serious illnesses in humans to negative impacts on migration, reproduction, and foraging of virtually every species of flora and fauna that’s been studied.  Fortunately, there are simple fixes for light pollution, and it goes away as soon as we turn the lights down or off, unlike most other kinds of pollution. Join Weston Forest and Trail Association for their annual meeting and to hear about the Dark Sky Movement. More information coming soon.

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There are many more activities around the area, but first and foremost, the Owl recommends heading out to the beautiful lands, fields, and trails that those who came before us thought to preserve for future generations. Stop and think about the 2,000 acres of Weston that are forever preserved for all of us, because someone cared very much about our environment AND community. What will be your act of green?

See you outside, Weston.