City of Aspen to host sustainability events for Earth Month

The city of Aspen will be hosting several free events for Earth Month focused on sustainability, community action and environmental awareness. 

“We are excited to host the Earth Week Free Swap and Exchange again this year and are thrilled to be part of the Future is Local speaker series alongside so many sustainability advocates from our community,” said Jimena Baldino, sustainability programs administrator for the city’s waste diversion programs, in a press release. “These events are wonderful opportunities for our community to come together, exchange goods and learn about the environmental efforts that the city and other community partners are advancing. We hope to see everyone there.” 

The Future is Local

A speaker series and community fair will be presented by the city and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. The co-hosted event, titled “The Future is Local,” will take place on Earth Day, April 22, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on the Mill Street pedestrian mall. There will then be a sustainability lecture from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera House. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with local organizations and farms, explore sustainability initiatives and learn about local resources. According to the city, the lecture will include storytelling, data-driven insights and discussion on how political decision-making on the national, state and local level shapes climate, land use and the resilience of mountain communities like Aspen. 

Aspen Mayor Rachael Richards, Senior Vice President of sustainability at Aspen One Chris Miller, Sustainability Presenter and Comedian Rollie Williams, Colorado House Speaker Julia McCluskie, CEO of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency Tara Stitzlein, ACES CEO Chris Lane and athletes from the Protect our Winters roster will all speak at the event. 

To reserve a free spot or learn more, visit aspenshowtix.com/aces-aspen-one-city-of-aspen. 

Earth Week Free Swap

The city will also be hosting the third annual Earth Week Free Swap and Exchange on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aspen Fire Department, 420 E. Hopkins Ave. 

Attendees can bring items to donate and take items free of charge to promote reuse and circularity within the community. Donations can include books, clothing, small household items, frames, art pieces, décor, games, small outdoor gear, shoes and jewelry. Items must be in good condition and no larger than a table lamp. Furniture, electronics and personal care items will not be accepted. 

Drop-off begins at 10 a.m., one hour before the event, and continues throughout the event. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided. 

For more information, visit aspen.gov/earthweekswap. 

Both events are part of the city of Aspen’s Commit to Tomorrow initiative, meant to encourage community members to participate in sustainability efforts. 

To learn more about the Commit to Tomorrow initiative, visit aspen.gov/1706/Commit-to-Tomorrow.