“Even the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” So they say. Back in February, we shared ideas to inspire your planning for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Nearly two months later, our world has changed as a result of a global pandemic, but now, more than ever, Americans view recycling as an essential public service while producers see residential commodities as a critical part of manufacturing feedstock. Even though events have been cancelled, social media usage is on the rise, and we’ve worked to identify ways to virtually activate residents in your community to recycle more, better on Earth Day [and every day].
Here are resources to inspire you and online resources you can use prepare for Earth Day’s golden anniversary – feel free to use these as is or to create your own content for a virtual Earth Day celebration:
- No need to create a webpage – we have one just for your residents. Use our Virtual Earth Day Celebration – this page is dedicated to our online Earth Day content – including tips, facts, games, and more – for residents and communities. Simply use the link in emails, on social media, or on your website.
- Encourage residents, youth, and children to complete an at-home Scavenger Hunt, identifying the locations of recyclables throughout their home.
- Quiz residents on their recycling knowledge, using our online recycling quiz.
- Take a moment to have residents thank recycling collectors by posting a sign near (not on) their recycling cart or sharing a post on social media, using the hashtag #ThankYouRecyclingHeroes!
- Encourage residents, places of worship, and other institutions to FREE DIY Signs for recycling using our online tool.
- Use content from our most recent Social Media Kit to highlight opportunities for improvement in your community.
Have other ideas to help communities recycle more, better? Share what you’re doing in your community in our Facebook City and County Recycling Coordinator Group.