Washington, D.C., Celebrates Earth Day

On April 22, Earth Day will be celebrated for the 46th time. The annual global phenomenon, started in 1970, is intended to motivate people to act to help save the planet from the forces of climate change.

The historic Paris Climate Agreement was sealed in the final days of 2015 and is scheduled to be signed on this coming Earth Day by as many as 120 countries, including both the United States and China. Combined, those two countries make up as much as 40 percent of global emissions. The treaty will be signed at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Celebrate this monumental human achievement and Earth Day by heading to one of these climate friendly Earth Day events in the Washington, D.C. area. There are events for environmentally conscious kids, teens and adults.

Earth Day Celebration at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo: Take time to observe the species that need protecting this Earth Day while getting gardening tips from the experts, attending special demonstrations, touring the zoo’s green facilities and participating in other climate-themed activities. The zoo encourages participants to bike to the event.

Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW

Earth Day at Union Station: The station will be putting on a spread of eco-friendly and interactive experiences to educate people about environmental issues and encourage sustainable practices. The event is sponsored by NASA and will feature scientists, astronauts and a number of exhibits.

Thursday and Friday, April 21 and 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE

Alexandria Earth Day: The theme of this celebration is “Choose to Reuse—Your Choices Matter.” There will be a number of exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities for kids. Live music will be performed by Hand Paint Swinger. A number of food trucks will be serving at the event.

Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lenny Harris Memorial Fields at Braddock Park, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia

United State Botanic Garden Earth Day Open House: Come to the Conservancy Terrace at the Botanic Gardens to meet with representatives of regional conservancy organizations. Participate in hands-on games and activities and learn how keep our planet healthy.

Friday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
100 Maryland Ave. SW

Broccoli City Festival: Come listen to headliner and wildly popular rapper Future at the Gateway Pavilion. A number of other musicians will be performing as well, including Californian Jhené Aiko and former Odd Future members The Internet. This one-day music festival, featuring ground-breaking artists, is committed to engaging urban millennials in issues of environmental sustainability. In addition to the music, there will be pop-up markets, live art and featured restaurants.

Tickets can be bought at ticket-resale websites or “earned” by participating in volunteer opportunities. Entrants must be 16 years or older.

Saturday, April 30, noon to 10 p.m.
St. Elizabeth East Gateway Pavillion, 1100 Alabama Ave. SE

Anacostia Watershed Cleanup: Be a hero of the Anacostia River. Join over 2,000 volunteers to clean one of D.C.’s main waterways. Be prepared to get a bit dirty. Register at the Anacostia Watershed Society website.

Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to noon
You can volunteer at 31 locations in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

“eARTh Day” Art Night: Exclusive Multi-Artist Exhibition: An exhibit of environmentally themed art about our planet as seen through the eyes of local artists. Admission is free but all proceeds from sales directly benefit artists.

Friday, April 22, 8 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, 3100 South St. NW

“Made in Arlington” pop-up shop: A retail experience dedicated to all things beautiful, wearable and edible provided they’re made in Arlington. Browse for gifts or curiosities at the stands while admiring the ongoing photo exhibit Lighting Diversity, which will be shown in the same space. The event is free.

Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Arlington Mill Community Center Gallery, 909 S Dinwiddie Street, Arlington, Virginia