Celebrate Earth Month with DEP!

This April, join DEP as they celebrate Earth Month! This year’s Earth Month celebrations will feature activities, workshops, and events designed to bring the community together in support of a healthier, more sustainable environment. From tree planting milestones to climate-focused library conversations, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a look at some of the exciting highlights happening this month:

Montgomery County Energy Summit – April 8 & 9

Kick off Earth Month by attending the 12th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit at the Silver Spring Civic Center. This two-day event will offer a variety of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and personalized resources for building professionals. Whether you’re looking to dive deep into energy efficiency or take your sustainable practices to the next level, this summit is the place to be!

Tree Montgomery’s 10th Anniversary

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Tree Montgomery program. Over the last 10 years, Tree Montgomery has successfully planted over 18,400 trees across the County!

Montgomery County GreenFest – April 26

Celebrate the 10th Montgomery County Annual GreenFest at Marian Fryer Town Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. GreenFest is the County’s largest environmental festival. Bringing together eco-conscious vendors, organizations and activities. Whether you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint or simply want to enjoy a fun, GreenFest is the place to be.

Climate Conversations at County Libraries

Get educated on climate change and how to take action with Climate Conversations at County libraries throughout the month. DEP ambassadors will be on hand to share valuable information, offer free giveaways and guide residents on how to become more climate-smart in their everyday lives. Below are the dates and locations for the climate conversations:

• April 10: White Oak Library (2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
• April 21: Marilyn Praisner Library (2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
• April 22: Germantown Library (2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
• April 23: Aspen Hill Library (2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
• April 24: Olney Library (2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
• April 25: Quince Orchard Library (2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

Visit the DEP calendar for a complete schedule of climate conversations.

Food Scraps Recycling – April 13

April 7 – 13 is Food Waste Prevention Week. Join DEP at the Bethesda Central Farm Market on Saturday, April 13. DEP will highlight the Food Scraps Recycling Program at the farmers market. Stop by to recycle your food scraps and explore the farmers market.

Food scraps that can be recycled:

• Bread and grains
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters)
• Cooked food
• Dairy (cheese and yogurt)
• Eggshells
• Fruit and vegetable scraps (including pumpkins)
• Meat, fish and bones

Curbside Electronic Battery Collection Expansion

DEP is excited to announce the expansion of its Curbside Electronic Battery Collection Program. Residents of single-family homes can now have their electronic items and household batteries collected at the curb – a simple, convenient way to ensure these items are recycled properly and do not end up in landfills. Be on the lookout for marketing materials from DEP informing residents of the program coming to their area.

Join the Celebration!

Earth Month is a reminder of the steps we can all take to make a positive impact on our planet. By participating in any of the events planned for April or doing your own thing, you will be joining a growing movement of individuals and organizations working together to create a sustainable future for Montgomery County and beyond.

So, mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and get involved in the exciting activities and initiatives happening throughout the month. It’s not just about one month of celebration, it’s about making changes that last all year long! 🌍💚