Since 1970, when a grassroots demonstration initiated by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson marked what we know today as Earth Day, millions of people have gathered around the world every year to participate in events and activities focused on improving, cleaning up and celebrating the environment. This month, Asheville is host to a multitude of events culminating in the April 22 Earth Day celebration. No stranger to environmental activism and stewardship, the city gives everyone, young and old, the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, including clean-ups, vigils and festivals.

Spearheading area Earth Day events is WNC for the Planet, a collective made up of local environmental organizations that provides access to service, educational and recreational opportunities throughout the month of April. WNC for the Planet is teaming up with local businesses, universities, community groups and individuals for a month of environmental service, educational opportunities and celebrations in Asheville and across Western North Carolina.

Mosaic Makes a Difference

WNC for the Planet also includes a Business & Community Challenge, allowing area businesses, civic organizations and community groups to create teams and compete for prizes and bragging rights. As part of their mission to work with and support the vitality and health of our local and global community, Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty agents and employees are joining in the challenge. Each team earns Planet Points according to how much it accomplishes at WNC for the Planet events – for example, how much trash it collects or how many trees it plants – and at the end of the month, each team is ranked. The harder the team works, the more points it earns.

Other Earth Month events include everything from clean-ups at the Green and Swannanoa Rivers, to invasive plant workshops and clearing, to composting talks and stargazing. The month culminates with a weekend of celebrations, including Earth Day Kids’ Festival with RiverLink on April 21, at Salvage Station, MountainTrue’s annual Earth Day Vigil with faith groups on April 22, at First Baptist Church, and an Earth Day Celebration Party on April 22 at New Belgium Brewery. For more information on all the WNC for the Planet events, visit https://wncfortheplanet.org/events/category/public-event/.

Impacting the Earth, Every Day in Asheville

In the meantime, there are many ways you and your family can make a positive impact, however small, on the environment in celebration of Earth Day, and all year long:

·      Clean up the Asheville community by organizing a group to pick up litter in a local park or along a roadway.

·      Talk to local government about planting more trees and native garden beds in public spaces, or consider planting your own on your property.

·      Try an organic vegetable garden.

·      Conserve water.

·      Simply enjoy nature through hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway or taking a stroll through any of Asheville’s beautiful local parks.

For more information about our area or about real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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