Cary Marks Earth Day with Focus on Everyday Sustainability and Stewardship

• Cary highlights its year-round efforts across water, energy, natural resources, and waste reduction this Earth Day.
• Town Council recognized Earth Day with a proclamation and honored the Friends of the Page-Walker for their contributions.
• Residents play a key role through simple, everyday actions that help protect local waterways and the environment.

At last week's Town Council meeting, Cary formally recognized Earth Day with a proclamation, reaffirming the community's commitment to environmental stewardship. The Town also highlighted the important role of community partners, including the Friends of the Page-Walker, whose decades of volunteer service help preserve and care for one of Cary's most treasured historic and natural spaces.

Water conservation and water quality efforts remain central to this work. Through tools like Aquastar, residents can monitor usage, set alerts, and catch leaks early - supporting a community-wide effort that has steadily reduced per capita water demand. These efforts are complemented by Cary's stormwater program, which protects local waterways through proactive infrastructure, watershed-based planning, and public education initiatives like Creek Week.

Cary also continues to invest in its tree canopy, a defining feature of the community. As a Tree City USA community for the last 43 years, Cary plants and preserves trees across neighborhoods and public spaces, with programs like My Tree, Our Tree putting native trees directly into residents' hands.

Sustainability is also reflected in daily operations and services. Cary's green fleet strategy focuses on efficiency and alternative fuels; while ongoing investments in energy efficiency and solar help offset electricity consumption across Town facilities. Composting and recycling programs further support these efforts by making it easier for residents to reduce waste and keep valuable materials in use.

Together, these efforts reflect Cary's broader Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

This Earth Day, Cary encourages residents to continue doing their part through small, everyday actions that make a difference. Properly disposing of household hazardous waste - such as pesticides, motor oil, and paints - through approved facilities helps keep harmful materials out of waterways and landfills. Simple habits like picking up pet waste and disposing of it in the trash also help protect local streams and lakes from bacteria and nutrient pollution.

Cary continues to approach its programs and operations with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration - values reflected throughout Earth Month and beyond. Residents are invited to take part in a variety of programs, events, and community celebrations, including Cary's Earth Day celebration at Bond Park on Saturday, April 25, held in conjunction with the Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival. The event features Earth Day Lane, where visitors can engage with environmental experts, learn about sustainable practices, participate in composting, and explore ways to reduce waste.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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