MATTAPOISETT — Help make a little section of the planet a healthier and safer place to live, work and play.

The Sustainability Partnership group of the Mattapoisett Library is organizing its second Earth Day event on Saturday, April 20, rain or shine. The event will kick off a community cleanup drive from 9 to 11 a.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to gather in front of the library for assignments. Or, families and friends can start from their homes and clean up their neighborhoods or nearby parks.

Children under 14 are welcome but should be supervised by an adult or guardian at all times.

The Sustainability Partnership has a limited number of tong-like pickup devices for hard-to-reach debris. Volunteers are encouraged to wear gardening gloves and sturdy shoes, bring hand sanitizer and water, and work in teams. Additionally, volunteers are advised not to touch items like needles, syringes and medical waste.

As principal organizer for the Sustainability Partnership’s second Earth Day event, Barbara van Inwegen expressed her gratitude to all those participating in 2024.

Last year, “we collected more than 800 pounds of trash,” said volunteer Roxanne Bungert, a Mattapoisett Woman’s Club member.

After the cleanup, volunteers return to the library to drop off supplies and bags of trash for weighing.

By participating in the cleanup, volunteers strengthen Mattapoisett’s response to solid waste, a significant challenge with escalating consumption that poses significant threats to our environment and public health.

Sign up for the event at Mattapoisettlibrary.org through the events calendar.