How to Celebrate Earth Day in Northern Michigan
At BARC, Earth Day is every day! While our commitment to preserving the environment runs all year, we feel a unique joy and global camaraderie every April. Our individual and collective efforts are magnified at this time, reminding us of the power we hold when we come together to give back to the planet.
We are incredibly fortunate to be located in the heart of Northern Michigan, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and state parks. This natural beauty not only provides us with endless recreation and serenity but also constantly reminds us why our conservation efforts are so crucial. Join us in celebrating this year by protecting our community!
Whether you’re a long-time environmental advocate or just beginning to explore how to give back to the planet, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Every action counts, from participating in local clean-up events to adopting more sustainable practices in our daily lives. In this blog, we’re excited to share with you various ways to celebrate Earth Day right here in Northern Michigan.
Earth Day Events in the Traverse City Area
Grand Traverse Earth Day Edition 2024 Maker Fest
April 20th 10:00am – 2:00pm, Grand Traverse County Civic Center
Join in on a day full of fun at the 2024 Marker Fest for a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Embracing a green ethos, this special event will spotlight upcycling, repurposing, and recycling, offering attendees an immersive experience in eco-friendly practices and initiatives. There will be tons of Earth Day activities like BINGO for hourly prize drawings. Oryana Community Co-op, the event sponsor, will give out gift cards for hourly prizes and provisions for exhibitors! This event will take place at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in the Howe Arena.
Earth Day Tree Giveaway Oryana Coop
April 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm, Oryana Community Co-op
Plant a tree with our friends at Oryana Community Co-op on April 22nd! Oryana is a local Traverse City-based business that has paved the way for a healthier, more sustainable future by offering a wide selection of organic, locally sourced products. In addition to its grocery store, Oryana also provides educational programs on nutrition and sustainable living, supports local farmers and producers, and contributes to various community projects.
Oryana is taking its mission a step further this Earth Day by partnering with Archangel Ancient Tree Archive for a special giveaway that will purify our environment. Together, they are giving away FREE champion black willow trees cloned from the majestic black willows at the Grand Traverse Commons. They are nature’s clean-up crew, with an incredible ability for phytoremediation, meaning they can extract harmful toxins from soil and water, making them invaluable allies in our quest for a healthier planet.
Earth Day Events in the Kaleva & Manistee County
The Great Lakes Environmental Festival
April 20th 10:00am-4:00pm, Manistee High School
The Great Lakes Environmental Festival is an annual celebration of renewable energy, sustainability, and community engagement. Held at the Manistee High School in Manistee, Michigan, this event brings together individuals, families, and organizations to learn about and celebrate the importance of clean energy solutions. Attendees can enjoy various activities, including educational workshops, interactive demonstrations, live music performances, and delicious food from local vendors. With a focus on promoting environmental awareness and encouraging action toward a greener future, this festival offers a fun and inspiring experience for people of all ages.
Northern Michigan Earth Day Activities
If you can’t attend any of these events but would like to get involved, there are other ways to partcipate! Here are some Earth Day activities to celebrate here in Northern Michigan.
Start Your Own Sustainable Garden
Growing your own fruits and vegetables reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and promotes sustainable living. Spring is a great time to start planning your garden. At BARC, we sell upcycled planters made from recycled materials from our De/Re-Construction initiatives. You can check them out in person at the Kaleva Resale Shop or get a custom planter made special for your requirements!
Participate in a Beach Clean Up
Northern Michigan is known for its beautiful beaches, so getting involved and keeping them clean is essential! Join fellow volunteers or start your own beach clean-up this month by collecting plastic bottles, fishing lines, or other trash tarnishing the beach. You can always pack a zero-waste picnic to bring with you using reusable or compostable containers and utensils.
Support Your Local Farmer’s Market
Embrace Earth Day by supporting local agriculture at your nearby farmers’ market. Now that spring is finally here, it’s time to enjoy the produce in season. Shopping local is a great way to support the farmers in your area while minimizing your environmental impact. Beyond shopping for more eco-friendly groceries, farmers markets also foster a great community spirit, offering live music, activities for children, and a celebration of sustainable living in Northern Michigan.
Volunteer or Donate To An Eco-Friendly Non-Profit
There are incredible environmental non-profit organizations in Northern Michigan that focus on giving back to the planet. Show your support by volunteering or donating to Bay Area Recycling For Community or other organizations in the area.
Let’s make this Earth Day in Northern Michigan one to remember! Together, we can continue to make strides in conservation, enjoy the natural beauty around us, and inspire others to join our mission.