Today marks the 54th annual Earth Day, but the celebration started early here in Marblehead.
On Saturday, April 20, the Marblehead High School National Green School Society raised $770 in an Earth Day 5K. The students will donate the money to local environmental causes.
Two dozen MHS students came out for the race, which started and ended at Devereux Beach. William Herlihy came in first, followed by Henrik Adams, Nate Assa and Will Cruikshank.
Also on Saturday, 250 SPUR volunteers picked up litter at 32 parks and beaches in Marblehead, Salem, Swampscott, Lynn and Beverly.
Earth Day events continue through the next week. Here’s a quick look at upcoming programs:
Sustainable Marblehead is tying into this year’s official Earth Day theme of Planet vs. Plastics and screening the new PBS documentary, “We’re All Plastic People Now” on April 24, 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church.
The film explores how reliance on plastics in all domains has impacted our environment, bodies and futures. The event includes a discussion of ways to reduce plastic use and pollution in Massachusetts. Registration isn’t required, but is appreciated by emailing sustainablemarblehead@gmail.com.
Sustainable Marblehead is also hosting its second annual Green Homes Tour, on Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tour as many as 12 homes to learn about air source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle charges, electric induction stoves, thankless and heat pump hot water heaters, upgraded insulation, energy-free clothes drying, Mass Save rebates for National Grid Gas customers, NextZero rebates for Marblehead Light Customers, federal rebates and tax incentives.
Learn more and register at sustainablemarblehead.org.
Marblehead Conservancy is hosting Earth Day and Arbor celebration on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lead Mills. Activities will include planting wildflowers and cleaning up the beach. Individuals, families and small groups are invited to meet at the Conservancy’s tent at Lead Mills, just off Lafayette Street near the Forest River bridge. Seedlings, tools, water, and trash bags will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear gloves and sturdy shoes.
For more information, contact Maureen Ashley at 781-367-0923 or maureenashley@gmail.com.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
