In recognition of activities around the world that will mark the 43rd annual Earth Day celebration, Mayor Scott Avedisian has signed a proclamation declaring April 22 as Earth Day in the city of Warwick, and is encouraging residents and businesses to take part in local events. 

The proclamation recognizes that the global community faces extraordinary challenges, such as health issues, food and water shortages and economic struggles, and that all people have a “right to a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth.” It also encourages residents, businesses and institutions to use the day to “commit to building a sustainable and green economy.” 

A cleanup of Buckeye Brook is slated for April 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Sandy Lane, with a rain date of April 21 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Avedisian invites Warwick organizations holding Earth Day events, or groups that will hold events in the city, to submit their information for inclusion in the Tourism, Culture and Development Office’s community events calendar. Information, which should include the organization’s name, event time, date, and place, contact information and, if applicable, website, should be sent to TCD Director Karen Jedson at karen.jedson@warwickri.com.

Throughout Avedisian’s tenure as mayor, the city of Warwick has been committed to efforts that help to preserve, protect and restore the environment. In addition to the city’s longtime status as one of Rhode Island’s leading recycling communities, it is also one of the “climate showcase communities” that have partnered with the University of Rhode Island with an overall goal of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through energy reduction measures.

In past years the city has also been named a “Cool City” by the Sierra Club for its environmental efforts, worked with the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council to draft and implement a Special Area Management Plan for Greenwich Bay, worked with multiple parties to reduce greenhouse emissions by instituting energy reduction measures in municipal buildings, and partnered with Clean the Bay and the state Department of Environmental Management to secure funding and implement a program that was responsible for removing well over 100 tons of debris (including barges, navy camels, abandoned boats, etc.) from Warwick’s coves and waterways.

For more than a decade, the city has been recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service for successfully meeting the four standards of a Tree City: have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

In addition, during Avedisian’s tenure, the city has preserved more than 200 acres of land as open space. The city was also partner and financial contributor to efforts that led to the recent purchase of the more than 80 acres at Rocky Point that will be revitalized and preserved for open space and recreational purposes.