Launch Party to happen on Earth Day

Roots and Shoots hosts Climate Action Plan event

Senior+Lukas+Wrede+leads+conversation+on+organizing+the+Climate+Action+Plan+Launch+Party.+The+event+will+take+place+from+2-5+p.m.+on+April+22+at+the+St.+Louis+Park+Rec+Center.+

Katie Hardie

Senior Lukas Wrede leads conversation on organizing the Climate Action Plan Launch Party. The event will take place from 2-5 p.m. on April 22 at the St. Louis Park Rec Center.

Emma Yarger

According to freshman Roots and Shoots member Zoe Frank, the Climate Action Plan has been in the works for three to four years. She said she feels happy to see their hard work come to fruition.

“We are doing the launch this weekend, on Earth Day — the 22nd, and we have been planning the event basically for the whole year and it’s finally here,” Frank said.

Executive director of iMatter and Roots and Shoots mentor Larry Kraft said that representatives from Park Nicollet and Nordic Ware are going to speak about what steps they have taken to follow the Climate Action Plan.

“(The businesses will speak about) what they’ve done with energy efficiency and renewable energy that has helped, that has been good for the environment, but also good for their bottom line,” Kraft said.

According to Roots and Shoots member Katie Christiansen, the group is reaching out to local business by going door to door.

“That’s one of the first steps of the business outreach,” Christiansen said. “Hopefully we will be continuing that into next year.”

Kraft said members of the Citizens’ Utility Board will be at the event to give homeowners advice on how to go green.

“They’ll have a couple people there if you bring in your utility bills, electricity and natural gas, ideally sign up in advance, they’ll do a 20 minute free consultation with you and give you ideas and thoughts on how to conserve and save money,” Kraft said.

According to Frank people of all ages will be attending and speaking at the event.

“We are having young kids from the class of 2025, so fifth graders, talk and we’re gonna have them talk about their hopes for the future, and what they’re gonna do to help save the planet,” Frank said.