Celebrating Earth Day
Recognizing how everyone contributes
Hennepin County is a beautiful place to live, and we work hard to offer programs and services that protect our environment.
This Earth Day, we want to recognize everyone – our residents, volunteers, partners, businesses, schools, and staff – who contribute to keeping our environment healthy for future generations.
Our Celebrating Earth Day video (YouTube) expresses our gratitude for the different ways people contribute.
 Contribute, connect, and celebrate
There are many opportunities in the next few weeks to get involved in your community and celebrate Earth Day. See our map and list of Earth Day and Arbor Day events for ways you can get out and clean up, explore nature, learn about local sustainability resources, participate in swaps, plant trees, and more!
Contribute to the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge
We have been challenged by our downstream neighbor, Goodhue County, to participate in the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge, and we wholeheartedly accept! Participating is easy – simply get outside and pick up litter any time before May 15.
You could join a cleanup event, organize your own cleanup, or sign up to Adopt-a-Drain. Share your results and a photo through our online form to be counted towards the challenge.
Plant a tree for Arbor Day
Arbor Day is this Friday, April 25, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the benefits trees provide. Trees improve our air and water, make ourselves and our communities healthier, reduce the effects of extreme heat, and provide wildlife habitat.
Arbor Day celebrations are happening throughout the county this weekend. We also have resources to help residents select the right tree for their location and plant and care for trees.
Bring hazardous and hard-to-dispose items to a collection event
Many cities hold special pick up and drop off collection days in the spring. City cleanup events offer residents a chance to get rid of hard-to-dispose items such as old furniture, exercise equipment, appliances, electronics, and more.
The county also holds hazardous waste collection events to give residents more convenient disposal options for household, lawn, and garden products. These are in addition to the county’s drop-off facilities, open year-round in Bloomington and Brooklyn Park.
Repair, salvage, and swap
Properly disposing of and recycling household items is important, but preventing waste in the first place has an even greater impact.
Learn how to repair household items at an upcoming Fix-It Clinic or discover the treasures to be found at local home improvement thrift stores during the Salvage Crawl in May.
This is also the season for swap events – many cities and organizations are holding events where you can swap clothing, gear, garden tools, and more.
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