5 ways to keep Birmingham beautiful beyond Earth Week [Photos]

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Earth Week 2023 has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help keep our planet clean. Read on for more information on upcoming environmental opportunities in Birmingham.

1. Join a Cahaba River Society Cleanup

Last week, Bham Now tagged along as volunteers from Regions Bank joined the Cahaba River Society to clean up trash from the Cahaba River. The Cahaba River Society led multiple cleanups each day during Earth Week and removed countless pounds of litter, debris and pollutants from the river—but the work doesn’t stop there.

You can help support the Cahaba River Society by becoming a member, donating, volunteering or joining the Cahaba River Society for one of their upcoming events!

BONUS: The beautiful Cahaba Lilies will bloom from mid-May to mid-June, and the Cahaba River Society offers guided canoe tours to see them! Visit the Cahaba River Society website to learn more.

2. Utilize the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, April 29

Do you have old electronics, batteries, paint or other hazardous materials taking up space in your home? The annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is the perfect time to get rid of those items (and more) safely.

• What: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
• When: Saturday, April 29 from 8AM until 11:30AM (or until capacity is met)
• Where:
  • First Baptist Church Gardendale (South Campus), 940 Main Street, Gardendale, 35071
  • Classic Car Motoring, 3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale 35210
  • City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard, 1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer 35020

Visit the Jefferson County website to learn more.

3. Attend Earthbound’s Earthfest 2023

You can celebrate the work of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper while listening to live music during Earthbound‘s Earthfest 2023! A family-friendly event open to all ages, Earthfest is a fun way to support the work of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper—a local nonprofit dedicated to improving water quality, habitat, recreation and public health throughout the Black Warrior River watershed.

• What: Earthbound’s Earthfest 2023
• When: Saturday, April 29 from 2PM until Sundown
• Where: Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st Street South Birmingham, AL 35222
• Tickets: $5 suggested donation at the door

4. Join the Birmingham Street Cleanup, May 6

On Saturday, May 6, members of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper are teaming up with Oak Tree Ministries to clean litter from the streets of Gate City—preventing it from ending up in the Black Warrior River watershed. Event organizers will provide garbage bags, gloves, litter pickers and snacks, but encourage volunteers to wear and bring:

• Comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting a little wet or dirty (preferably long pants)
• Closed-toed shoes
• Water
• Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen)

• What: Birmingham Street Cleanup with the Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Oak Tree Ministries 
• When: Saturday, May 6 from 10AM to Noon
• Where: 6517 Kimberly Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35212

5. Attend the 10th Annual Darter Fest, May 7

On May 7, you can join the Southern Environmental Center and the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve for the 10th Annual Darter Festival! Hosted at Avondale Brewing Co., this festival supports the Southern Environmental Center’s programs at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve with food and drinks, kids’ activities and live music from Will Stewart’s All Star Band, Shaheed and DJ Supreme as well as the EPIC Headstart Darter Dancers.

• What: 10th Annual Darter Festival
• When: Sunday, May 7 from Noon to 5PM
• Where: Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st Street South Birmingham, AL 35222
• Tickets

Know of other ways to support sustainability in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow on Instagram to let us know what events we missed!