Help celebrate Earth Day 2023 with a trip to Newport! The official theme this year is Invest in Our Planet, and we have so many opportunities to do that here at the beach. 2023 marks the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, and there’s no better way to commemorate the occasion than spending time thinking about sustainability or even helping to regenerate the beach and surrounding forests.
Since 1970, Earth Day has served as a reminder that we can come together to respect and protect our natural world by conserving resources and eliminating damaging and wasteful practices and policies. Visitors to Newport experience the first-hand beauty of the natural environment, from the mighty waves crashing onto our serene beaches, to the complex relationships within our temperate rainforests, to the many kinds of wildlife that call these ecosystems home. We have a special balance here, and you can be a part of that when you visit.
Practicing Sustainable Travel is an easy way to celebrate Earth Day this year, and every day that you travel away from home. Be aware of your own travel habits and focus on using only enough resources for your needs. When you spend time in town, on the hiking trails, or on the beach, leave an area the way you found it. Turn off the lights in your hotel room when not in use and use the same towel and sheets for the duration of your stay. Eat and drink local food and beverage that require fewer resources to bring those products to you (and it tastes way better too)!
Or take your stay at the beach to the next level this Earth Day by practicing Regenerative Travel, where you make a conscious effort to leave the beautiful places you visit better than you found them. Pick up as much trash as you can carry away from the beach every time you visit. Volunteer with local organizations to replant trees or clear brush and debris from surrounding forests. Forage your own greens, mushrooms, clams, crab, and berries, and be mindful of the impact of how you gather them.
The Newport Chamber of Commerce is always ready to welcome you to the beach! Visit newportchamber.org for a detailed calendar of events and a list of local businesses that will take care of every aspect of your stay. Happy Earth Day!