Earth Week 2025: “Small Actions, Big Impact” 

You care about the planet. You want to protect your health and your community. But let’s be real, saving the world can feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.   

This year, the Hazardous Waste Management Program is celebrating Earth Week by highlighting businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals around King County who are doing their part to reduce toxic exposures and protect the environment.  

Through a theme of “Small Actions, Big Impact,” we will feature stories that show how small, positive actions can make a real difference in improving the health of the environment. When we each do our part, it adds up to something big.  

Throughout April, the Haz Waste Program will also share tips and resources for making environmentally friendly choices to protect your families and communities.  

 

What are some small actions you can take for big results?  

• Make the switch to safer cleaning products: Making the switch from store-bought cleaning products to homemade versions is a simple step you can take to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemons can be used to create powerful cleaning solutions that are gentle on the environment and your health. Check out our new and updated DIY cleaning recipes and find tips on how to read labels to choose safer products for your home.  
• Visit a collection site or Wastemobile event: Do you have items like old batteries, oil-based paint, pesticides, or motor oil lying around? Now’s a great time to take your household hazardous waste to a Wastemobile event or disposal facility. This month, you can find the Wastemobile in Bothell/Woodinville (April 11-13) and on Vashon Island (April 25-27).  
• Learn more about natural yard care: Want to learn more about how to use natural yard care practices & products to care for your lawn and garden? Drop into one of the many events hosted by the Garden Hotline this month! Classes include Propagation 101, Composting at Home, Building Healthy Soil, and Seed Starting 101.

Want to celebrate Earth Week in person? Check out some of the events taking place throughout the County.  

• April 5: Maple Valley Earth Day Fair. The Haz Waste Program will be on site offering free hazardous waste disposal and lead testing of common household items like toys, jewelry, ceramics, and cookware.  
• April 21-26: Rainier Avenue Radio’s Earth Deserves More than a Day program. You can tune in online or join in person at Columbia City Center for panel discussions, workshops, outings, and more.  
• April 26: Issaquah Sustainability Fair. Look out for the Garden Hotline table where you can learn about natural yard care tips to help reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals.  
• Check out the King County Parks Volunteer Page to find hands-on opportunities throughout April to support a cleaner and healthier planet.  

Why this matters: 

Sometimes the climate crisis feels too big to tackle, but change doesn’t have to be complicated. Every small choice—every business that swaps toxic products, every person who disposes of waste responsibly, every organization that spreads awareness—adds up.  

To stay in the know, be sure to sign up for our newsletter, follow the Haz Waste Program on Facebook, and be on the lookout for our new Instagram account arriving in April!