Climate outreach initiative launched on Earth Day

Easthampton Sustainability Coordinator Sophie Protano (left) and City Councilor Koni Denham (right) pose with the flag that was raised to commemorate Earth Day in Easthampton.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis

EASTHAMPTON — In enhancing community awareness and participation in the Climate Action Plan, the city of Easthampton launched an outreach initiative that commenced on Earth Day when the city officials raised an earth flag and read a proclamation in honor of the day.

Over the course of the next six months, the Easthampton Climate Outreach, ECO, Initiative will sponsor or participate in a variety of community events to promote pertinent sustainable planning action items. The first event was the annual Arbor Day Tree Sapling Distribution at Big E’s Supermarket on April 26.

“I’m hoping that this initiative, while temporary, will sort of enable lifelong behavior in the pursuit of environmental sustainability,” said Sustainability Coordinator Sophia Protano.

Subsequent events will be announced on the ECO Initiative webpage and through the city’s Facebook page. To receive event updates and reminders to your inbox, sign up for the ECO Initiative Newsletter or email sprotano@easthamptonma.gov. The next ECO featured event will be the Electrify Easthampton/Northampton event on May 6 from 1-2 p.m. at the Northampton Senior Center.

For more information regarding the Climate Action Plan visit tinyurl.com/2ndrcwnu.

The proclamation was read by City Councilor Koni Denham.

“Earth Day gives Easthampton residents the opportunity to celebrate our planet and recommit to its preservation and protection for the sake of all living beings,” Denham read from the proclamation. “The city acknowledges the responsibility while understanding the need for a collective effort in order to enact and change. And whereas Earth Day is not a single day to celebrate the earth and its protection, but rather serves as a rallying cry for sustained action and influence.”