Bethel’s Earth Day Features Trashapalooza – A Community Cleanup

Earth Day has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1970, and since then it has become an international movement observed in nearly 200 nations. This year it takes place on Saturday, April 22. The Bethel celebration, which is being organized by the Sustainable Bethel Commission, will be held on the Municipal Center’s front lawn.

“Bethel’s Earth Day engages our community in an event that supports the environment, and cherishes and protects the Earth for future generations,” said Kathryn Hebert, chairman of Sustainable Bethel. “It also recognizes and promotes businesses, non-profits and individuals who support green initiatives.” The day begins with Trashapalooza, a town-wide cleanup from 9-11, followed by an Earth Day Fair from 11-1, complete with snacks, games, live music and educational tables.

Although the event is several days away, people are already registering for a Trashapalooza cleanup route – either as individuals or part of a team. There are 20 routes throughout Bethel, including around Greenwood Avenue, the Grassy Plain area, Meckauer Park, and the train tracks from the Agway to the train station. For the complete list click here . To register in advance email kmtroy2019@gmail.com . Participants can also sign up for a route the day of the event.

Trashapalooza volunteers should check in at 9 at the Municipal Center. There they will receive gloves, bags and high-visibility safety vests, courtesy of the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority, one of many organizations supporting Bethel’s Earth Day. Collected trash should be brought back to the Municipal Center at 11. “We’ve arranged for garbage bins behind the Municipal Center on the CVS side for bags of trash,” said Ms. Hebert. “Then those who took part in Trashapalooza are free enjoy all the great Earth Day Fair activities.”