Department of Environmental Protection Is Celebrating April as ‘Earth Month’ with Countywide Activities and Events

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is celebrating April as “Earth Month” with activities and events aimed at taking action and fostering environmental awareness and stewardship across our community.

Throughout April, residents can participate in activities to promote sustainability, conservation and eco-conscious living. From educational workshops to community clean-up events, DEP is working with the community to make a positive impact on the local environment. Earth Month will cap off on April 27 with “GreenFest,” the largest annual environmental festival in the County.

"I encourage everyone in our community to act now and join us in celebrating Earth Month and as we renew our commitment to protecting the environment," said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Take a composting class, join a neighborhood cleanup and come to GreenFest. By engaging in these meaningful activities and promoting sustainable practices, we can make a difference in our County today and for generations to come."

Earth Month activities will include:

• Earth Month Clean-Up Events: Join DEP staff and community members for neighborhood cleanup efforts at various county locations. The events will provide an opportunity to take an active role in preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Composting and Recycling Workshops: DEP will host a series of workshops covering topics such as composting, energy efficiency and sustainable gardening. These sessions will empower participants with practical knowledge and tips for reducing their environmental footprint.
• Food Waste Prevention Week Education: As part of the effort to reduce food waste in the County, DEP will have information about food waste prevention at grocery stores throughout the County during April.
• Illumination Stations: Shine a light on energy savings and keep more money in your pockets. DEP is hosting a series of events where people can apply for energy assistance and exchange old incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs for new energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
• GreenFest 2024: DEP and a coalition of public and nonprofit partners will host this annual event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Blackrock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

“Simply put, Earth Month is about individuals, communities, schools and other partner organizations taking action to help our environment,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “I hope you will join in community cleanups, Earth Day fairs, composting workshops and other events and ways to learn more about how we can individually and collectively take action as stewards of our planet.”

For a full calendar of Earth Month events, visit the Montgomery County DEP website.