Earth Week 2023
This year marks the 53rd annual celebration of Earth Day, a holiday that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our planet and bring communities together to learn and take action for a more sustainable world. It was first recognized in 1970, following increased national attention to pollution, publications such as Silent Spring, and organizing efforts by Wisconsin Senator Gaylor Nelson. Earth Day has since expanded into Earth Week, and is currently considered the largest secular observation worldwide. Despite its global reputation, the holiday encourages local action.
This week, the City of Duluth will be participating in a variety of local events to recognize the importance of preserving our environment and natural resources for all who rely upon them. Many events will be hosted by Lincoln Park-based Ecolibrium3, culminating in EcoFest on Earth Day (Saturday, April 22nd). “Key events that residents and businesses can participate in to advance sustainability in Duluth include a business sustainability breakfast with the Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold and Mayor Larson, an evening of street design, and community cleanup," says Jodi Slick, CEO of Ecolibrium3. Below, our office has put together a calendar of Earth Week events that celebrate and promote local sustainability efforts. For a full list of events and further information on those listed, follow @duluthsustain on Instagram and take a look at our calendar
Monday, April 17th
Ecolibrium3 Virtual Kick-Off: 6:00pm, Facebook
“Join our virtual kickoff to learn more about what Ecolibrium3 is up to this Earth Week and what promotions are available. This fully virtual event will be held on Facebook live at 6:00 pm on Monday, April 17th. Featuring a performance from Duluth’s own Hannah Rey!”
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/3562787317291625
Tuesday, April 18th
UMD SEE (Social, Economic, Environment) Change Arts for Activism: 5:00pm-9:00pm, UMD Kirby Ballroom
“SEE Change, previously known as MPIRG, is hosting their spring event, Arts for Activism, on April 18th from 5-9PM on the UMD Campus. The event will showcase art and emphasize how creative expression can be used for positive change within our communities. During the event, we will have an exhibition of student and community member art, hear from local speakers about how they have used arts as activism, share attendees’ representations of activism through a collective art piece, and enjoy a concert by the local duluth band, The New Salty Dog. Appetizers will be served from 5PM-7PM during the art exhibit and speaker portion of the event.”
Wednesday, April 19th
Ecolibrium3 Farm Open House: 10:00am-3:00pm, Eco3 Urban Farm at Lake Superior College
“Visit Ecolibrium3's urban farm to repot plants, plant seedlings for local organizations, and make seed art in the heated greenhouse! Come enjoy the fun and learn more about our food access programming in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.”
More information: https://www.ecolibrium3.org/earthweek/
Earth Day Fair, University of MN Duluth: 9:00am-3:00pm, Kirby Commons
Connect with local organizations and student groups to learn more about local environmental action.
More information: https://calendar.d.umn.edu/event/74951-earth-week-at-umd
Earth Day Fair, Lake Superior College: 11:00am-1:00pm
Connect with local organizations and student groups to learn more about local environmental action.
Thursday, April 20th
Ecolibrium3 Business Breakfast: 8:45-9:30am, Clyde Iron Works, Registration Required
“Explore the intersection of strong economic development, climate action, and social justice. Hear from Duluth's Mayor Larson, urban strategist Michelle Reeves, Department of Commerce, and the National Renewable Energy Lab. This is a ticketed event.”
Register here: https://ecolibrium3.salsalabs.org/SustainabilityBusinessBreakfastEarthWeek2023/index.html
Ecolibrium3, How to Build Housing Equity and Address Displacement: 10:30am-12:00pm, LNPK Hub (2014 W. 3rd Street, Door 1), Registration Required
“Duluth has experienced unasked for accolades as the best "Climate Migration" location, causing increased pressure on our housing stock. Join this community conversation on what tools are available to expand equitable housing access.”
Register here: https://ecolibrium3.salsalabs.org/GreenGentrification/index.html
Ecolibrium3, Street of the Future Public Design Session: 6:00pm-8:00pm, LNPK Hub (2014 W. 3rd Street, Door 1), Registration Required
“Learn about street design that maximizes livability and economic success in Duluth. Join urban strategist Michelle Reeves and community stakeholders for a 2-hour design symposium to inform the rebuild of W. Superior Street through Lincoln Park.”
Register here: https://ecolibrium3.salsalabs.org/streetofthefuturesignup/index.html
Friday, April 21st
Ecolibrium3 Ask An Expert: National Renewable Energy Lab, 10:00am-11:30am, LNPK Hub (2014 W. 3rd Street, Door 1)
“Ecolibrium3 and the City of Duluth have been partnering with the National Renewable Energy Lab on renewable energy and transportation planning. In this session experts from the National Renewable Energy Lab will outline renewable energy and transportation opportunities in Duluth and how they can accelerate our clean energy transition. Free to attend, no registration is required.”
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1301606417093863
Saturday, April 22nd
Ecolibrium3 LNPK Cleanup, 9:00am-12:00pm, Ursa Minor Brewing, Registration Required
“Help us build a cleaner and healthier community by volunteering to do some spring cleaning! Join us as we all come together to clean up litter in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.”
Register here: https://ecolibrium3.salsalabs.org/lnpkspringcleanup2023/index.html
Ecolibrium3 EcoFest, 11:00am-3:00pm, Clyde Iron Works
“Celebrate our planet and advance sustainability for everyone in our community at EcoFest! While you learn about local resources, make connections, and engage in climate action; EcoFest will showcase what it means to live sustainably in Duluth.”
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/765709521445318
Duluth Public Library Crafting With Nature: 11:00am-1:00pm, Main Library Gold Room
“Let’s celebrate Earth Day by making crafts from materials gathered from nature! We’ll make troll faces out of slices of wood, pine needles, seeds, moss, driftwood, rocks and more! Participants will also contribute to a collaborative group art piece using the various textures and colors found in the natural materials you can find right outside your back door! Nature materials will be provided, but feel free to bring in a bag with some of your own gatherings from nature.”
More information: https://duluthlibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=10724&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2023/04/11
If you are unable to make it to local events, don’t worry – there are many actions you can take at home to celebrate! For example, consider composting, taking public transit, and buying green products. Composting is one of the top ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Here in Duluth, WLSSD has a composting drop-off program! Another way to reduce emissions is to limit driving alone – consider riding the bus or carpooling. Lastly, there are many products available on the market that limit single-use plastics and are better for people and the planet, such as 100% recycled aluminum foil, toxic-free cleaning products, compostable bags and containers, and even vegetable-based inks on packaging.
We hope to see you in the community this week, and are thrilled to celebrate environmental stewardship and sustainability. Happy Earth Week!
