Cedar Rapidians Can Take The Green Home Challenge For Earth Month

April is Earth Month and the City of Cedar Rapids is asking its residents to get to work on a series of "sustainable actions and future commitments" to commemorate the occasion.

The Green Homes Program was launched last fall in support of the city's Community Climate Action Plan, which according to a city of Cedar Rapids media release, "declares an urgency to take climate action in Cedar Rapids and to support the community’s most vulnerable residents while doing so. "

Here's how you can participate

First, sign up here. Then, follow a few suggestions which include, but are not limited to:

• Growing your own vegetables
• Borrowing (instead of buying your own new) garden tools
• Plant a durable tree
• Install solar panels
• Ride a bicycle or use public transportation when possible (an environmentally-friendly move that will also save you money on gas! Cedar Rapids transit is currently free.)
• Follow city recycling and compost procedures with your CURBY and YARDY
• Clean up litter in the neighborhood through the City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge
• If you need efficient heating or air conditioning but can't afford it, apply for assistance.

It's simple stuff, right? That's just to name a few. Learn more about the Green Homes Program here and "improve your sustainability footprint in your backyard or neighborhood."

At noon during EcoFest, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell will recognize the Cedar Rapids quadrant and the top three neighborhoods that have logged the most participation on the Green Homes dashboard. EcoFest takes place Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NewBo City Market.

All attendees of EcoFest will also walk away with an environmentally-friendly door prize so the whole thing is a huge win.

[H/T: City of Cedar Rapids]