Earth Day 2018 on Cape Cod

Sunday, April 22 marks Earth Day 2018, and there’s plenty to do on Cape Cod to not only celebrate the occasion but also to make a difference in the community. These events take place throughout the weekend and involve both physically cleaning some of the Cape’s beautiful landscape and quietly educating yourself on what needs attention in the future.

As one of the country’s most scenic destinations, there are plenty of reasons for residents and frequent visitors to the Cape to protect the local environment. Of course, many events are also family-friendly, so you can get your young ones started on caring for the environment today so that it becomes second nature to them as they grow.

The central theme of this year’s Earth Day is End Plastic Pollution, as plastic waste is not only littering our oceans, beaches, and landscape, but it is also swelling our landfills and slowly poisoning us through our food supplies. The goal is to educate people on how many issues plastic is causing, in hopes that they reduce their dependency on the material.

Earth Day is about raising awareness for the things we can do to change our lifestyle and beliefs, helping us to live in a way that is friendlier to the long-term survival of our planet. On Cape Cod, the various events are about education, awareness, and action, so head out this weekend and do your part.

Cleaning Up Cape Cod

On April 21 between 10 AM and 2 PM, the 18th edition of the Cape Cod Canal Cleanup will take place. Interested groups and individuals meet at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area in Bourne and will receive a specific job to do upon arrival. Most of the work involves picking up trash along the shore, although some volunteers will do gardening in some locations. You'll need to register ahead of time if you wish to participate, as this gives organizers the chance to come up with a plan of action.

There will also be Earth Day Walk at Cape Cod National Seashore on April 22 at 10 AM. This event involves meeting at the Province Lands Visitor Center and then walking along the scenic route to Race Point Light. Along the way, you will learn about the impact of climate change and how salt marsh restoration works, in addition to cleaning up some of the trash that has accumulated along the way. This guided tour is free, making it well worth stopping by and participating.

Artistic and Educational Events

Arts for the Earth brings local authors Peter Trull and Robert Finch, and award-winning painters Amy Sanders and Maryalice Eizenberg, to the Addison Art Gallery in Orleans on April 21. This event is meant to raise money for the Orleans Conservation Trust and will also involve a performance by singer-songwriter Sarah Burrill. The event is free to attend, but you can buy books, enter a raffle, or purchase artwork.

There will be a screening of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, an anime film by Hayao Miyazaki, coinciding with Earth Day weekend on April 21. The showing takes place at Cotuit Library and is meant to show just how much of an effect humans have on the world around us. Admission is free, but there is limited space, so pre-registering is a good idea.

Another earthcare film screening, Love Thy Nature, will be shown at 10 AM on April 21 at the Chatham Orpheum. Tickets are $15 and include a live discussion with filmmaker Sylvie Rokab immediately after.

As mentioned before, one of the themes of this year's Earth Day celebrations is the impact that plastics are having on our environment. On April 22 at 4 PM, the Orleans Historical Society is hosting a lecture called Plastic is Forever!, by Laura Ludwig, the manager of a project relating to marine plastics at the Center for Coastal Studies. The talk lasts two hours and admission is by donation.

Events for the Family

The Marstons Mills Community Church, in conjunction with Cape Cod Organic Mom, is hosting a play date for kids on April 21 at 10:30 AM. During the event, children can make crafts, play some games, and get to know some new friends, all while listening to Earth Day-themed music.

One of the more comprehensive Earth Day events in the area is Hyannis Open Streets, which runs from noon until 5 PM on April 22. Although Hyannis Open Streets takes place a few different times throughout the year, the Earth Day version usually kicks things off. Music, food, raffles, face painting, and crafts are on the menu all day long. Since it's Earth Day, those attending are encouraged to ride their bikes or walk to the event, if at all possible.

Friday, April 20 will bring an Earth Day event to Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis. This event, which takes place between 11 AM and 1 PM at Sears Court, involves craft-making, recycling activities, a story time, and the chance to use microscopes to study plankton. Kids can win a jar of spring bulbs and learn all about the Cape Cod Rail Trail during the event, as well.

Make a Difference on Earth Day

As you can see, Cape Cod has a lot going on for Earth Day, and if you want to get out and make a difference, or simply enjoy some of the festivities, you’ll have plenty of options. It doesn't matter if you want to take in a film series, explore the museum trail, investigate the natural history of the Cape, or celebrate Earth Day with like-minded individuals, you are sure to find a memorable way to spend your weekend.

By learning about the impact we are having on the environment and doing something to help fix the problem, we can keep Cape Cod beautiful for the next generation of people to enjoy.