FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2022
Contact:
Heather Parsons
Senior Public Information Coordinator
(727) 562-4708
heather.parsons@myclearwater.com
Clearwater Celebrates Earth Month with Many Local Environmental Events
Several events raise awareness for the environment and climate crisis
Switch off your lights April 15 at 9 p.m. for an hour of darkness to conserve electricity
CLEARWATER, FLA. – The city of Clearwater is celebrating Earth Month this April by hosting a range of environmental and sustainability activities. One of those activities calls upon residents and visitors to switch off their lights at 9 p.m. April 15 to raise awareness for environmental issues and climate crisis.
This idea stems from the World Wildlife Foundation’s global environmental movement, Earth Hour. The city encourages individuals, families and businesses to do their part to reduce our collective energy consumption this Earth Month. While going dark for an hour is just a symbol, the city challenges everyone to practice climate-friendly habits at home and work for a sustainable future on Earth.
The health of residents and our economic and sustainable future is one of Clearwater’s top sustainability and resiliency goals. The city invites you to take part in celebrating our beautiful planet with the events:
- April 4 to 8: Food Waste Prevention Week, SaveTheFoodFL.com.
Up to 35 percent of all food produced goes uneaten. Preventing food waste saves a family of four an average of $1,800 per year. It also improves food insecurity by potentially helping to feed the 1 million food insecure people in Tampa Bay and conserves precious resources. Food Waste Prevention Week helps to raise awareness and inspire everyone to reduce food waste at home, at work and in our communities. Activities include social media bingo games and challenges, K-12 student art contests, and webinars catered to various interests including celebrated local chefs and elected officials. Find those resources at SaveTheFoodFL.com.
- April 15, 9 to 10 p.m.: “An Hour of Darkness in Clearwater,” switch off lights at home for an hour.
Go dark for an hour to conserve electricity. Individual actions, such as turning off lights for an hour at home, seem like small actions to take. However, when everyone practices conscious energy-saving habits, it reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions as a city and lessens the negative impacts we have on our environment. For ideas to spend the hour, visit EarthHour.org/take-part/spend-the-hour.
- April 21, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew St.
Take home two trees and plant them this Earth Month. Trees are important in the fight against climate change. As they grow, trees absorb and store carbon emissions that otherwise cause global warming. In an urban setting such as Clearwater, the shade from trees cools city streets, reduces air pollution, and boosts personal wellbeing and health.
- April 22, 4 to 7 p.m.: Earth Day Cleanup, Clearwater Beach Pier 60, 7 Causeway Blvd.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Visit St. Pete Clearwater, Ocean Allies, Amplify Clearwater and the city have joined forces for an Earth Day cleanup at Clearwater Beach. Everyone is welcome to join, get in some exercise and help keep the beach beautiful. Beach cleanups help reduce coastal trash from entering the sea, protecting marine environment for biodiversity to thrive: SugarSandFestival.com/events/earth-day-celebration
- April 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Earth Day Celebration, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane.
Celebrate this very special day at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Presentations, children’s arts and crafts, music, vendors, food and fun will make up the Earth Day celebration.
- April 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Shred-A-Thon & Medicine Take-Back, Countryside Mall, 27001 U.S. Hwy 19 N.
On the last day of Earth Month, shred your unwanted documents and dispose of your old prescription medications safely with the help of Clearwater Solid Waste/Recycling and Clearwater Police departments. Proper waste management keeps the environment safe and healthy for one another.
“Join me in switching off the lights at 9 p.m. on April 15 in support of Earth Month,” said Clearwater Mayor, Frank Hibbard. “Electricity is the biggest contributor to our community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving resources is a community effort and that will require everyone’s participation.”
Share your experience with friends and family on social media and hashtag #ClearwaterEarthMonth. To learn more about Clearwater’s sustainability and resiliency programs, visit MyClearwater.com/Sustainability.
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