After a lengthy winter, the sustainability department’s programs come to life again in the spring. On Saturday, April 25, the city’s parks and sustainability departments, along with the South Portland Land Trust and volunteers, organized the second annual Earth Day Resource Fair at Mill Creek Park. Beneath the vernal sun, 35 local environmental organizations shared resources, Gear Hub repaired bikes, and kids competed in electric leaf blower ball races as live music from the Pine Tones and Truth about Daisies imbued the park.

To celebrate Earth Day, South Portland community members delved into local, place-based action like composting, weatherization, and community cleanups. However, the history of Earth Day can be traced all the way back to an image from outer space. In 1968, astronauts aboard Apollo 8 captured a vivid photograph of Earth from a distance, surrounded by the depths of space. The emblematic shot, coined “Earthrise,” portrays the planet from a previously unseen perspective: beyond the realm of existing possibilities. The snapshot draws attention to Earth’s precarity and smallness, highlighting an urgency towards collective care rather than destruction. Less than two years later, 20 million people gathered across the U.S. to stand against ecological harm on the first ever Earth Day.

On April 6, 2026, nearly 60 years after the illustrious “Earthrise,” astronauts aboard Artemis II captured an image of the earth setting while similarly circumnavigating the moon. These cosmic photos serve as reminders of our own smallness in the vastness of the universe. Yet, the environmental movement connects us to something bigger than ourselves. It is building solidarity towards collective well-being and livable communities for everyone. South Portland’s Earth Day Resource Fair grounded residents in local community resources, giving them the tools to embed sustainability into their daily lives.

As Earth month comes to a close, you can continue to engage with sustainability year-round through our Call to Action, which outlines five ways to get involved with sustainability initiatives and eight ways to be sustainable in South Portland. From participating in coastal flooding community science events, to attending City Council meetings, borrowing electric tools, or touring ecomaine, there is something for everyone.

ELECTRIC TOOL LIBRARY AND SWAP SHOP OPEN

The Swap Shop and South Portland Electric Tool Library (SPETL) are both officially open for the season at the South Portland transfer station. In its 10th year, the Swap Shop continues to be a space where climate resilience meets community in a tangible way. Its impact extends beyond diverting items from the landfill to fostering a community exchange of stuff. Stop by to donate items or search for something new, and make sure to thank the community volunteers who make the Swap Shop possible.

If you are unsure if an item is accepted for donation, check the list of acceptable and unacceptable items on the Swap Shop website at southportland.gov/296/Swap-Shop. Contrary to its name, you don’t need to drop anything off to take something home. The Swap Shop is generally open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., depending on volunteer availability.

Don’t want to buy your own? Or, want to try out electric tools before committing to purchasing one? The SPETL provides the opportunity for residents to use their South Portland library card to borrow electric lawn equipment free of charge. Residents can borrow electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and edgers for up to one week at a time.

Did you know that one hour of gas-powered leaf blower use emits air pollution equivalent to driving 1,100 miles? The SPETL helps residents transition their land care equipment away from highly polluting gas-powered tools to cleaner electric versions. Stop by the SPETL Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

RESILIENT YARDS: LAST CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

The 2026 Resilient Yards program is underway and we are accepting applications for one more week. This year, we have 35 volunteer coaches, who are currently engaged in hands-on training, preparing to work with South Portland residents who want to transform their lawns into resilient landscapes.

Participating in Resilient Yards is a great way for South Portland residents to get started in replacing their lawns with native plants. Our volunteer coaches will help you design and install a small native habitat garden in your yard with program resources. Learn more and apply by filling out this online form.

Robyn Landes is an AmeriCorps Resilience Fellow with the South Portland Sustainability Department.