With spring flowers in bloom, now is as good a time as any to take extra measures to preserve the planet.
As Earth Day approaches, Johnson County has several events to celebrate this Saturday, April 22. Some cities are organizing recycling and cleanup efforts, while others are hosting nature-themed activities.
Here are some of the places you can find Earth Day cleanups and celebrations across the county.
Recycling Extravaganza (Overland Park)
- The city will host a mass recycling event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 11401 Lamar Avenue.
- A number of reusable items can be donated at the site — including electronics, clothing, furniture and bikes. Here’s a complete list.
- Anyone can donate items, including people who live outside of Overland Park and Johnson County.
Earth Day Shred Event (Prairie Village)
- Bring your disposable documents to the Shops of Prairie Village at 6920 Mission Road this Saturday to have them shredded for free.
- The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., in the parking lot between Gravity and bijin salon & spa.
- In addition to shredding, other shops at the center will offer Earth Day opportunities of their own — such as wine cork recycling at Story, 25% off globe purchases at Bag & Baggage and flower planting at Euston Hardware.
Bike and Trike Celebration (Leawood)
- Head to 14701 Mission Road in Leawood Saturday morning for a sustainability-themed celebration.
- From 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Ironwoods Park, people can travel through the park via bike, trike, or their preferred mode of “non-motorized mode of transportation.”
- Along the paths, stations throughout the park will provide information about the plants and insects that live there, as well as general sustainability tips.
Citywide Cleanup (Mission)
- From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at 5935 Beverly Ave, the city of Mission will host a mass trash pickup.
- Volunteers can pick up trash, trim vegetation, and give Mission’s public spaces some extra care.
- Registration for the event has closed, but people can still attend, and free shirts are still available as supplies last.
Recycling collection (Lenexa)
- Starting 9 a.m. Friday, another mass recycling event will take place at the Kiewit headquarters at 8900 Renner Blvd.
- Johnson Countians can donate old electronics and school supplies.
- You can also bring paper documents for free shredding.
Earth Day litter cleanup (Roeland Park)
- From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, help clean up the city of Roeland Park.
- Volunteers will help pick up trash alongside West 51st Street, Roe Lane and Roe Boulevard.
- The event starts at Roeland Park City Hall at 4600 W. 51st St.
