April is Earth Month & Environmental Justice Month: Building Climate Resilience in Downeast Maine
Each April, we celebrate Earth Month and Environmental Justice Month—a time to reflect on our relationship with the planet and renew our commitment to creating healthy, thriving communities for everyone. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, calls on us all to unite around renewable energy and triple clean electricity by 2030—a bold step toward a more sustainable future.
But the movement for a healthier planet isn’t just about the energy we use—it’s also about the lives we lead. Protecting the environment is not just about nature—it’s about people, too. A healthy environment is essential to public health, and climate resilience begins right here in our own communities.
Protecting the environment is not just about nature—it’s about people, too. A healthy environment is essential to public health, and climate resilience begins right here in our own communities.
Why the Environment Matters for Public Health
Clean air, safe drinking water, access to green spaces, and protection from extreme weather are all critical to our health and wellbeing. Pollution, toxic exposures, and the impacts of climate change—like stronger storms and rising sea levels—can harm our physical and mental health, especially for vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those living in low-income or rural areas.
In Downeast Maine, environmental justice also means ensuring that all people have access to a healthy environment and the resources needed to adapt to climate change.
Tips for Building Climate Resilience in Downeast Maine
Be Weather-Ready
Stay informed about extreme weather forecasts and sign up for local emergency alerts. Preparing a family emergency plan and go-kit can make a big difference in a storm or power outage.
Support Local Food Systems
Buying from farmers markets, participating in community gardens, and reducing food waste all support a more sustainable and resilient local food economy.
Reduce Home Energy Use
Small changes like sealing drafts, switching to LED lights, and unplugging devices when not in use can lower emissions and save money. Explore programs like Efficiency Maine for rebates and support.
Plant Native and Pollinator-Friendly Species
Native plants help strengthen local ecosystems and support pollinators, which are crucial for food production and biodiversity.
Protect Water Resources
Use environmentally safe cleaning products, avoid over-fertilizing lawns, and properly dispose of hazardous waste to keep local lakes, rivers, and oceans clean.
StrengthenME is Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services program, offering free stress management and resiliency resources to promote the health and well-being of all Mainers. For more resources and information visit https://strengthenME.com.
Ways to Get Involved
Join a Local Cleanup or Tree-Planting Event
Many Downeast towns host Earth Month cleanups, garden days, or tree planting efforts for Earth Day and throughout the month of April. These events are a great way to meet neighbors and make a visible impact.Support Environmental Justice Groups
Organizations working on clean energy, healthy housing, safe transportation, and equitable access to nature need your voice and participation.Advocate for Climate-Smart Policies
Attend a town meeting, write to your local representatives, or join your municipal planning board. Your voice matters in shaping policies that protect the environment and community health.Get Youth Involved
Teach kids about caring for the Earth through nature walks, school garden programs, and family recycling efforts.
Additional Resources
Maine Public Health Association offers printable resource sheets that people can use to make their homes and communities more resilient to extreme heat, flooding and storms, bad air quality days, and diseases spread by insects like ticks and mosquitoes:
As we celebrate Earth and Environmental Justice Month, let’s remember that climate resilience is not only about weathering storms—it’s about strengthening our communities. Together, we can create a healthier, more just future for all people and the planet we share.
Let’s act locally, think globally, and lead with care—because when our planet thrives, so do we.