Mission Statement

Caring for our Valley and Planet

Earth Day Yakima is a volunteer effort that seeks to increase community awareness of environmental issues by engaging citizens of all ages in supporting sustainable initiatives and honoring the Earth’s resources, not only on the day of global celebration but all year long.

Note: Sustainable Practices focus on the R’s of Sustainability: Reduce Reuse, Recycle, Rot, Replant, Respect, Refuse, Replenish, Rethink, Repair, Reinvent, Recover, Responsibility, and Restore

Planning Committee

Earth Day Yakima is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who organize the overall event, recruit participating organizations, seek sponsors and gather materials. They are joined by many other volunteers on the day of the event who help set up the celebration, staff the exhibits and games and clean up and recycle materials at the closing of the celebration.

If you would like to join in this effort, or contribute in any way large or small, we would love to hear from you, just Contact Us.

History

Origin of Earth Day

The Earth Day movement began in 1970 when 20 million people joined together, creating an emerging environmental consciousness. Starting a new era in environmental politics, leading to the passage of the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Endangered Species Acts.

This, now global, ongoing demonstration of concern for the environment, places the issues onto the national political agenda. The fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency as the ravages of climate change become more apparent. Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world.

Recent Years

The Yakima Earth Day Fair is a volunteer effort that seeks to increase community awareness of current sustainable practices in the Yakima Valley.

Yakima joins communities around the world in celebrating Earth Day. For over 50 years, this annual global event brings people together to demonstrate support for environmental protection, to learn about ways to support sustainable initiatives and celebrate the earth’s resources. The 2024 theme for Earth Day is “Invest in our Planet”.

In 2023, the Yakima Earth Day Planning Committee, in partnership with Yakima Parks and Recreation, hosted a successful Earth Day Fair at Emil Kissel Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023. It was a free, family-friendly fair highlighting local groups focused on sustainability in our community.

There were activities for kids and opportunities to learn about recycling, composting, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. We shared knowledge and solutions that celebrate our diverse community and help us learn more about our role in protecting the environment.

Early Efforts in Yakima

Volunteers have been researching and compiling clippings from the early celebrations of Earth Day in Yakima from 1970 to the present.

Stop by the Greenway’s Visitor Center to see the display of History information. It will be located near the Art Exhibit.

There will also be a chance to fill in a Time Capsule Note to your future self there too!