Earth Day is on April 22nd, 2024 and there’s no better reason to get outside and do some spring cleaning. Denver has no shortage of small businesses that are dedicated to sustainability, as well as initiatives that residents can get involved in to help promote a healthy environment. Check out these fun Earth Day events and find new ways to get involved in your community throughout the year!
Sustainable Living in Denver
To increase sustainability, Denver’s “Bring Your Own Bag” program requires retail stores to charge a small fee for each disposable bag that they provide to customers. This encourages shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to help reduce waste and save a little bit of money.
The city is also rolling out composting services by the Solid Waste Collection District, which helps to encourage homeowners to learn more about this method of waste management. Each participant in the program will receive a compost bin, a two-gallon kitchen pail, and a weekly collection service.
One of the most popular sustainable living habits adopted by many households across Denver is recycling. Looking to decrease your footprint this year? Try shopping at refill stores or frequenting your local farmer’s market as well to reduce the carbon footprint of your weekly staples.
ZERO Market
2501 Dallas Street
ZERO Market is located in Denver’s Stanley Marketplace and offers locals a package-free way to stock up on goods. From household cleaners, cosmetics, soaps, and even kombucha — you’ll find a bit of everything at this refill store. With over 1,200 products in store, shoppers can find all of their daily essentials, as well as herbs and teas.
JOY FILL
4340 West 35th Avenue
If you haven’t visited JOY FILL yet, swing by to discover your new source of refillable and sustainable goods. From cleaners to personal care products and eco-friendly beauty items, this refill store is a great addition to any sustainable lifestyle.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
3000 East 1st Avenue
Cherry Creek’s farmers market kicks off on May 4th and will provide ample opportunity to enjoy fresh farm produce and artisan goods until mid-October. Shop in season with this fresh market, which helps to reduce the mileage that goods have to travel from out of state to your neighborhood grocery store.
City Park Farmers Market
2551 East Colfax Avenue
Mark your calendar for May 4th — the 2024 opening day of the City Park Farmers Market. Support local people and local food on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM through October 28th. The perfect combo of fresh ingredients, live music, and community-oriented activities, this is a farmer’s market you won’t want to miss.
Eco-Friendly Businesses in Denver
Supporting local is a great way to give back to the Denver community. These eco-friendly small businesses are taking the lead on sustainable practices and helping to push the Mile High City toward a brighter future.
Spinster Sisters Co.
1116 Washington Avenue
Spinster Sisters Co. is on a mission to make the best skin, hair, and body products for not only people but for the planet. That means no sulfates, phthalates, paragons, PFAS, or dyes. You can feel good about what you buy from here, with premium, plant-based formulations that are good for your skin and plastic-free packaging that helps to reduce waste.
Root Down
1600 West 33rd Avenue
This Denver area restaurant provides a multitude of gluten-free and vegetarian options for diners and is popular amongst residents looking to enjoy outdoor dining. The eatery runs solely on wind energy and is known for sourcing locally whenever possible.
Miller Lane Mercantile
4234 Tennyson Street
Founded in 2019, Miller Lane Mercantile was created out of the desire for simple, well-made goods. This women-owned and operated small business has a brick-and-mortar location on Denver’s busy Tennyson Street. Instead of participating in fast fashion and cheap goods that need to be replaced within a few months, shop for quality goods that will last for years to come.
Great Divide Brewing Company
1812 35th Street
Great Divide participates in a robust recycling process that includes reusing bottled rinse water, utilizing energy-saving motion sensor lights, and an impressive 99% diversion rate of waste to the landfill. The brewing company has become a Certifiably Green Business by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, making it a great spot to support on Earth Day and beyond.
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
1730 East Evans Avenue
Kaladi is one of the biggest names in Denver and for a good reason. This coffee roaster is devoted to sourcing coffee from sustainable farms, utilizing air roasting technology, and of course — serving a great cup of coffee to customers. There is a second location in Englewood for those looking to get their morning fix.
Earth Day Events in Denver
Looking to get outside and enjoy the fresh, crisp air this Earth Day? These exciting Denver-area events are a great way to get involved, clean up trash, and learn more about conservation around Denver.
Lakewood Earth Day Celebration
Where? 801 South Yarrow Street
Held each year at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, you won’t want to miss this Earth Day festival on April 27th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There will be live music by Moon Shroom, Blue River Grass, Flash Mountain Flood, and Super Magick, as well as entertainment and a host of educational exhibits. Arrive hungry because there will be plenty of food vendors, with names including Cheese Love Grill, Lucky Mary’s Baking Company, and El Bajon Churros as well as drinks and family-friendly activities. Adults, children, and animals alike are encouraged to wear their favorite plant or animal costume or craft a mask at the festival to participate in the parade of species.
PRO Tip: If you’re looking to participate in this year’s event as a volunteer, snag a shift while they’re available. Volunteers will receive food and a free event t-shirt for all their hard work.
Earth Day @ Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
On Monday, April 22nd — celebrate Earth Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in the Science Atrium. This event kicks off at 10:00 AM and is set to go until 2:00 PM. Geared toward kids ages 0-8, the whole family will be able to enjoy the fun-filled, interactive events that promote biodiversity exploration and conservation education. All Earth Day activities are included with the museum’s general admission and are free for members.
PRO Tip: Interested in becoming a member? Family Memberships are good for 1 to 2 named adults plus their children for just $119 for the year. Members will also receive special discounts in the cafe, deli, and shops and free general admission 364 days a year.
Party for the Planet
Where? 700 Water Street
The Denver Aquarium is hosting a Party for the Planet event on April 22nd to help teach how attendees can better care for the environment. Activities will include scavenger hunts, photo opportunities with program animals, and talks with staff biologists. There will also be crafts and activities suitable for all ages, as well as animal training demos! Swing by the conservation tables to learn more about the environment and how we all have a part to play in helping to conserve it for generations to come.
PRO Tip: Earth Day activities are included in the price of a general admission ticket. Grab yours in advance because this is always a popular event!
Community Earth Day Celebration
Where? 5004 National Western Drive
Join the celebration at the Stockyards Event Center for an afternoon of family fun and education. Activities and events include face painting, balloon art, a bicycle circus, and a visit from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science Curiosity Cruiser. Teams from Denver’s Department of Public Health & Environment will be onsite, as well as electronic recycling facilities. The celebration begins at 1:00 PM and wraps up around 4:00 PM.
PRO Tip: No registration is necessary for this event and everyone is invited to attend. If there happens to be inclement weather, festivities will be moved inside of the show arena.
Great Global Cleanup
Where? Various Locations
Join forces with your neighbors this Earth Day and participate in the Great Global Cleanup across the city of Westminster and beyond. From 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (or anytime, really!) get outside and join volunteers all over the world in the largest trash cleanup of the year. Westminster residents will be tasked with a spring cleaning of Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, with the city providing supplies and disposal of trash bags.
PRO Tip: Enjoy a “thank you” celebratory BBQ lunch that is open to all ages who participated in the event. Register today if you’re interested in participating!
10th Annual Longmont Earth Day Celebration
Where? 233 East Mountain View Avenue
This free Longmont family event is a celebration of the Earth, as well as an educational opportunity for those interested in learning more about how to conserve and reduce their waste. There will be a live performance by Doctor Noize, as well as a raptor show from the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Attendees can also lend a helping hand with cleaning up Centennial Park and participating in the sustainable fashion show. There will be upcycled arts and crafts projects, as well as a mobile lab and baby goats from Growing Gardens.
PRO Tip: If you want to participate in the clothing swap and collection, bring your old and unwanted clothes — all conditions accepted.
Earth Day Cherry Creek Cleanup
Where? Wynkoop Street and Speer Boulevard
Arrive at the Downtown Children’s Playground on Cherry Creek Trail and help to beautify the area, including the trail, waterway, community playground, and public gardens. Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing are highly encouraged. Necessary supplies, along with a light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
PRO Tip: In the case of inclement weather, registered attendees will be notified 48 hours in advance if the project is canceled.
Earth Day 2024
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
Come celebrate Earth Day with the Majestic View Nature Center. This event is free for all to attend and attendees are encouraged to bring their friends and family. The theme of the afternoon will be exploring “Plastic versus Planet” and there will be family activities galore, as well as a trash clean up and a rain barrel giveaway. There will be gloves available, as well as a selection of grabbers for folks who have trouble bending over. Shop the various booths with local vendors and bike or walk to the event for an extra drawing ticket for the rain barrel!
PRO Tip: There will be a poster contest for all kiddos in K-12 grades who want to participate. The winning poster gets a free tree for their Arvada area school or park.
How to Get Involved
Looking for ways to get involved in ecological initiatives, sustainability and outdoor programs? These organizations provide volunteer opportunities that help to enhance the community while promoting a cleaner, brighter future.
Sustainable Neighborhoods Program
Denver’s Sustainable Neighborhoods Program is a way for residents to become active partners in making the city as vibrant as possible. Through workshops, projects, and events that are designed to enhance the livability of neighborhoods, residents can get involved, volunteer, and learn more about how to reduce their ecological footprint.
Groundwork Denver
Groundwork Denver partners with an assortment of communities across Denver to improve physical environments, while also promoting health and wellbeing. Become a doer today and help plant trees, improve parks, clean up rivers, and even grow gardens and insulate homes. The Youth Green Leadership program works to develop leaders out of local youth and spearhead positive environmental change.
Outdoor Colorado
Outdoor Colorado is excited to welcome new volunteers who want to become active stewards of Colorado’s precious natural resources. By working with conservation and land agencies, volunteers can get hands-on experience in the great outdoors while making the Centennial State a cleaner place to call home.