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Earth Day 2020

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50 years Earth Day 2020
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April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! On this date in 1970, millions of Americans took to the streets to promote environmental education and awareness. As a result of the movement, the Federal Government passed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. 

This year’s Earth Day theme is Climate Action! This has been identified as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary because climate change poses enormous challenges to people and the life-support systems we depend on.  

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of Earth Day events around the world.  In the midst of this global health crisis, we can learn lessons that will help us better prepare to tackle future climate disasters.  While we cannot come together in person to celebrate Earth Day 2020, this website provides ideas for climate actions you can take at home.

The City of Boynton Beach’s 2020 Climate Action Plan sets the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2035 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. You can help our community and our planet by committing to take one or more climate actions on the Climate Action Pledge. 

After taking the pledge, you may enter to win a free rain barrel! To be eligible, you must  take the pledge, live within the Utilities Service Area  and fill out your entry form. One winner will be chosen each Friday while supplies last. We will notify winners by email and phone, and drop the 55-gallon white rain barrel outside the address provided. Rain barrel information and installation instructions will be included. Learn more about rain barrels. 

black barrel
Rain barrels supplied by RainLife Rain Barrels of Lake Worth Beach, FL. (Barrels for raffle are 55-gallon white barrels. Garden hose, cinderblocks, and gutter not included.)

 

The City of Boynton Beach started planning for climate change a decade ago with the release of its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2010 and adoption of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact in 2012. In 2018, the City elevated its commitment to climate action by joining the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy. The updated 2020 Climate Action Plan (CAP) offers a robust set of strategies and actions to reduce Boynton Beach’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The CAP reflects the latest science, aligns with international standards for GHG reduction, integrates the City’s strategic planning goals, and emphasizes the importance of ongoing, equitable community engagement.

Trees are cool! They clean the air, shade our homes, reduce flooding, and provide fresh fruit! The City of Boynton Beach is partnering with award-winning local nonprofit, Community Greening, who received a grant from the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties to enhance the tree canopy in the Heart of Boynton neighborhood. 

Heart of Boynton map and aerial photo
Heart of Boynton Map

If you live in the Heart of Boynton, you can have a free tree planted in your yard! So far we have planted live oaks, gumbo limbos, avocados, starfruit, lychee, and guavas. To schedule your free tree planting, please call Dondre at 561-945-6811 or Community Greening at 561-927-8733.

Are you planning any improvements to your home or small business? If you own property within the Boynton Beach city limits, the Energy Edge Rebate Program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficiency improvements including central HVAC, insulation, doors and windows, reflective roofs, water heaters, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment. Rebates are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocated funds are awarded. Learn more here.

•    Support local restaurants who participate in the City’s Green Business Recognition Program by ordering take-out:
Driftwood | 561-733-4782 | 2005 Federal Hwy
Offering fresh local fare, hand-crafted cocktails, craft beers & relaxed atmosphere. Open for dinner through Delivery Dudes and take-out services.

Del Sol Bakery | 561-806-6726 | 1600 N Federal Hwy #15
A small, family-owned bakery specializing in a variety of delicious treats, handmade breads, assorted pastries and much more. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays for take-out and delivery.

Hurricane Alley | 561-364-4008 | 529 E Ocean Ave 
Open Wednesday - Sunday from from 11:30 am - 6:30 pm with a limited Take-Out Menu. All items are $10.00, all orders to be picked up out back.

Bond Street Ale and Coffee | 561-877-2462 | 1626 S Federal Hwy
European-style baked goods, egg dishes, quiches and sandwiches on signature breads, sultan hats filed with brie and caramelized onion and eggplant cheesecake, different flavored croissants and scones. View their "Socially Distant Supper Club Special" menu and "Bond at Home". 

Organic Kitchen & Mercantile | 561-292-3222 | 640 E. Ocean Ave., Suite 6 
Weekly delivered organic chef made meals. Made by seasoned local private chefs & delivered to your door. 

Click for a full list of local restaurants that are offering take-out and/or delivery services at this time. 

•    Pick-up from a Florida farm selling directly to consumers. With the current supply-chain disruption, the farms listed on this website are selling fresh, local produce directly to the public.
 

• Earth Day Quizzes
Test your knowledge about the Earth – these short, multiple choice quizzes are fun for the whole family! Quiz yourself. 

• Fun Solar Activities (for you & your kids)
Solar United Neighborhoods brings you fun easy at-home activities families can do together to learn more about solar! Check out printable coloring books, craft ideas, and more!

• Measure your carbon footprint 
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average annual carbon footprint for a person in the United States is approximately 15 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average is closer to 4 tons per year. To have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average person’s carbon footprint needs to drop to less than 2 tons per year by 2050. 

Here are two different calculators you can use to estimate your carbon footprint and identify ways to lower it: 

#1 Carbon Footprint’s Calculator 

#2 The Nature Conservancy’s Calculator