Earth Day, an annual event on April 22 since 1970, is all about environmental awareness. Celebrate nature and consider adopting new eco-friendly habits at these events throughout Northern Virginia.
McLean Earth Day–Act Locally
The McLean Community Center will host a drive-through donation event April 11, 9 a.m.-noon, to divert unwanted items from landfills. Bring bikes and household goods to donate, plus up to five file boxes of papers for shredding. Organizers are also collecting e-waste, including phones, tablets and routers. Timed admission is free, but registration is required. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Earth Day Celebration at the Netherlands Carillon Tulip Festival
Arlington Public Library, the National Park Service and Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail will celebrate Mother Earth on April 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Carillonneurs will perform live musical concerts on the 53-bell carillon, and presenters will host activities. This event is free and open to the public. 327 Marshall Drive, Arlington
Arlington County EarthFest
Why limit it to a day when you can celebrate all month long? County programs include removing invasive plants at Potomac Overlook and an Earth Day Campfire on April 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. You can also sort out the county’s recycling rules April 14, 11 a.m.-noon, with a rep from the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services. (We have some recycling advice, too.) Check the website for times, dates and details.
Northern VA Earth Day Service Project
The Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association will host a clean-up event April 18, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., near the intersection of the Washington and Old Dominion trail at Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run. Afterward, gather at Café Sazon to cool down and snack on free apps. Bags and grabber tools will be provided to volunteers. Find the exact meetup location here.
Providence Earth Day Celebration
This family-friendly event April 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Graham Road Community Building will feature a variety of eco-friendly activities, workshops and presentations. Learn how to shrink your carbon footprint from local vendors and officials. 3036 Graham Road, Falls Church
National Landing Community Cleanup
On April 22, 10 a.m.-noon, meet at Water Park for a quick orientation sesh before fanning out to clean nearby streets and green spaces. Cleanup materials will be provided while supplies last. And be ready for a little friendly competition. New this year is a trash weigh-in: Volunteers with the two heaviest bags will get vouchers to use at local businesses. Participants may also dispose of common household batteries in the battery recycling pop-up. 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Earth Day Every Day Festival
The Langston Boulevard Alliance hosts its fifth annual family-friendly festival and Earth Day celebration April 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Taking over the Lee Heights Shops, the event lineup includes live music, kids’ activities, an arts market, and local food and drink vendors. 4500-4550 Cherry Hill Road, Arlington