Do you want to learn more about composting, climate action, make an impact volunteering, or take the kids on an adventure? We’ve found a variety of events for you and your family to celebrate in-person and some online in Kansas City and worldwide over the weeks surrounding Earth Day, April 22. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin inspired more than 20-million Americans (10 percent of the population at the time) to gather at “teach-ins,” rallies and protests to demand cleaner air and water. Those efforts launched the modern environmental movemen ..read more

Recycle your old computers, glasses, furniture, clothes, bikes, dog kennels, building materials, toys, and more this weekend. It’s the perfect time to do some spring cleaning, and donate items that could be reused by charities and local organizations before heading to the landfill. On Saturday, April 20, take advantage of a one-stop recycling and donation event at the Overland Park Recycling Extravaganza.  The recycling collection is open to everyone, including non-residents, and will accept many items that are more difficult to recycle. It will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Black & ..read more

A look back at early Earth Day activism in Kansas City Every April since 1970, people around the world have been celebrating Earth Day with parades, festivals, and events to raise awareness for environmental issues and to teach future generations to protect our planet. From organizing for the inaugural event on April 22, 1970, to the community sculpture events in the early nineties, Kansas City has its own history of Earth Day events. Here’s a look back at Earth Day events that began in 1989 led by local organization, Heartland All Species Project. The events combined art and science to raise ..read more

If it’s time to replace some household appliances, you can take advantage of the Missouri Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday Pay no sales taxes from April 19 – 25 on a qualifying Energy Star appliance during the Missouri Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday with savings up to $1,500 per appliance. Energy Star appliances that qualify include: Air conditioners Clothes dryers Clothes washers Dishwashers Freezers Furnaces Heat pumps Refrigerators Water heaters Qualifying items can be purchased in-store and online. In order to qualify, the appliance must have an Energy Star rating. Energy-effi ..read more

Kick off the growing season at the Eat Local & Organic Expo this Saturday. Shop the freshest spring goods from local farms, sign up for weekly farm shares, start your garden with locally-grown transplants, and more. The free, family-friendly event will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Johnson County Community College Gym, 12345 College Blvd. in Overland Park, KS. Hosted by KC Healthy Kids, it will feature over 25 KC Food Circle farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping, and raising animals. Additional vendors include local farmers markets, the KC ..read more

By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss Are you sneezing more this spring season? Do the kids already have a poison ivy rash? Scientists are seeing signs of more allergy-causing pollen and faster spreading poison ivy as the climate continues to change. Pollen may be an unfortunate contributor to poor health in the first place, but there are signs that warming weather is making it worse for many, according to the National Academy of Sciences. Warm weather contributes to an uptick in pollen count, and air pollution can concentrate it, reports the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Cl ..read more

It’s time to start digging in the garden. Here’s where you can find the largest variety of native plant flowers, vines, shrubs, grasses, and trees. For the Kansas City area, here are upcoming native plants sales this spring. In addition to these sales, you can also shop at local native plant nurseries. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center Native Plant Sale Saturday, March 30: 12:30 – 4 p.m. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO Missouri Wildflower Nursery and City Roots Nursery will be on site with native plants for sale while supplies last. For more information ..read more

In the new documentary, “Hot Times in the Heartland,” explore regional stories on our warming planet and the solutions underway to strengthen climate resilience. This March and April, there will be free screenings and television broadcasts of the two-hour documentary. The documentary, produced by Prairie Hollow Productions, focuses on solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change and regional efforts in Kansas City and the greater Kaw Valley area of Kansas. Local individuals and organizations share their experiences in the film including Lindsey Constance, co-founder of Climate Action KC ..read more

Jumpstart your garden with upcoming plant sales that support local organizations and farmers. Spring sales featuring cool season crops like asparagus, berries, kale, lettuce, and more start this month. Explore these upcoming sales to start your garden.  1. Kansas City Community Gardens Plant Sales Plant sales start March 21 You’ll find a variety of plants that were grown in the Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG) greenhouse, including asparagus, berries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and lettuce. Onion, leek and scallion plants and seed potatoes w ..read more

By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss It’s true that climate risks are increasingly a factor for Americans when purchasing their next residence. A September 2023 study by Zillow found that upwards of 80% of prospective home buyers in the U.S. consider climate risks—floods, wildfires, extreme temperatures, hurricanes, drought—when shopping for a new home. Climate considerations for home buying “Climate risks impact where most prospective buyers shop for a home,” reports Zillow senior population scientist Manny Garcia. “While all generations juggle trade-offs like budget, floor plans and commute times ..read more