Earth Week in Kawartha Lakes highlights the power of small actions

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: With spring finally settling in across the community, the familiar signs of the season, melting snowbanks, budding trees, and returning wildlife, also bring a renewed focus on caring for the local environment.

That spirit will take centre stage during Earth Week, running April 19th to 25th, and culminating with Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22nd. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizes the role individuals play in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.

“Earth Week is a great reminder, protecting the environment starts with simple, everyday choices,” said Jennifer Kerstens, Communications, Advertising and Marketing Officer for the City of Kawartha Lakes. “Whether it’s reducing waste at home, being mindful of how we use our natural resources, or helping keep our communities clean, everyone has a role to play.”

Across Kawartha Lakes, that message is especially meaningful in a region defined by its natural beauty, its lakes, rivers, and green spaces, forming both the backdrop to daily life and a shared responsibility for residents.

One of the easiest ways to get involved this year is through the City’s 20-minute Community Clean-Up initiative. Residents are encouraged to gather friends, family members, or teammates and spend just a short amount of time picking up litter in their neighbourhoods.

“It doesn’t have to be a big commitment to make a difference,” Ms. Kerstens said. “When people come together, even for just 20 minutes, it creates a visible impact and builds a sense of pride in the community.”

To help make participation easy, the municipality is providing garbage bags and gloves to registered participants, available through online sign-up or at any Municipal Service Centre. Groups, who register in advance, will also be able to dispose of collected waste, free of charge, at municipal landfill sites with a pre-approved permit.

Ms. Kerstens added, the initiative is about more than just cleaning up litter. “It’s also an opportunity to connect with neighbours, spend time outdoors, and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a place like Kawartha Lakes. Protecting it is something we can all contribute to.”

Residents, interested in taking part, are asked to register by April 15th. For those looking to learn more about the global movement behind the week, additional resources and ideas can be found at www.earthday.org.

More information, locally, is available by contacting Customer Experience, at 705-324-9411 or emailing inquiries@kawarthalakes.ca.