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Earth Day Every Day KC

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A healthy planet = a healthy city.

Check out these posters from Warren Hills Elementary 5th Grade class!

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HISTORY

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 was inspired by the student anti-war movement and growing public concern over air and water pollution in America. An estimated 20 million Americans held rallies, protests, and cleanups to show their support for our environment. By the end of 1970, the collective impact of the first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

Want to learn more about Kansas City’s First Earth Day? Check out this Article.

What Kansas City has accomplished to better our world within the last half a century.

1987 Blue River Wastewater Treatment Plant starts secondary treatment of wastewater before discharging to rivers

1991 City funds creation of 4 drop-off recycling centers

1994 City established the Office of Environmental Management

1996 City opened the Household Hazardous Waste Facility

2004 Resolution to include Green Roof Technology Initiatives in City Buildings

2004 Curbside recycling begins in KCMO 

2007 Policy created to integrate green stormwater solutions into Planning & Development Process

2008 City adopts the Climate Protection Plan

2008 City adopts the Stream Setback Ordinance

2008 City Creates 4 interdepartmental Green Teams to assist the city in meeting sustainability goals

2010 City adopts Anti-Idling Policy for City-owned vehicles

2011 City adopts ordinance requiring new City buildings meet the LEED Gold standard

2013 City installs solar panels on various City buildings

2015 City adopts the Energy Empowerment Ordinance

2015 City begins installing electric vehicle charging stations in parking lots and garages

2017 KC reaffirms its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions regardless of US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement

2018 KC commits to a community wide goal of 100% clean, renewable energy and opposition to new fossil fuel extraction

2019 City adopts Green Stormwater Infrastructure Manual
 

THE FUTURE

Despite these unprecedented times, it’s heartening that the Kansas City region continues to work together to celebrate climate successes and reduce air pollution, build sustainable infrastructure, promote public health, and ensure economic prosperity. We believe grassroots community commitment, partnered with strong environmental policy, will spur the momentum for environmental action in the months and years ahead.

Visit our partners and learn more about how you can be part of the solution.