Earth Day Volunteer Ideas
Monday, April 22 marks Earth Day in the United States, a holiday created to honor and raise awareness for the environment and its protection. Global climate change has been at the forefront of national and international news, so it is appropriate that celebrating Earth Day is of critical importance. Below are some suggestions as to how you can get involved with Earth Day activities near our office locations in the Metro DC and Dallas areas, and beyond!
NATIONWIDE
See below for ways to celebrate Earth Day from anywhere on Earth.
Take Personal Inventory
To see where you make changes in your own lifestyle, calculate your carbon footprint and your foodprint. These resources bring awareness to your own contribution to climate change, and offer easy solutions to mitigate your negative impact.
Pick Up Trash
Join one of The Great Global Cleanup’s many community cleanup events. See here for more information and to find a cleanup near you.
Don’t live near a cleanup site? No problem! You can always pick up trash on your own or with friends next time you see litter.
Protect Pollinators with Native Plants
Plant native plant seeds in your garden to attract pollinators and preserve their ecosystem services. Use the native plant finder from the National Wildlife Federation to discover what plants are native to your zip code.
Challenge Yourself with the #PlasticDetox
Commit to reducing single-use plastic consumption and share your actions and innovative solutions using the hashtag #PlasticDetox on social media. Read more about the campaign here.
Volunteer with the Nature Conservatory
The Nature Conservatory (TNC) offers a diverse range of ecological volunteer opportunities across 22 states in the U.S. Browse here for urban conservation, community science, restoration and education, and skills-based volunteer opportunities near you.
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON, D.C. OPPORTUNITIES
Saturday, April 20th
Clean up Parks and Waterways Volunteering with National Capital Parks-East (NACE) | Washington, D.C. and MD
The National Capital Parks-East (NACE) is an administrative unit of the National Parks Service (NPS) that manages park sites and waterways east of Washington, D.C. This Earth Day weekend, make an impact while enjoying nature by attending a NACE park or waterway cleanup at one of their sites. Browse here for an option that works best for you.
Family Festival at the National Portrait Gallery | Washington, D.C.
Engage in nature-themed activities and attend craft workshops for all ages that demonstrate how art and science can protect the Earth at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. See here for more information.
Plant Trees at the Emery Heights Community Center | Washington, D.C.
Volunteer to plants trees at the Emery Heights Community Center with Casey Trees to help support and protect Washington D.C.’s tree canopy. Tools and training will be provided; register ahead of time to reserve your spot. See here for more information.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at the Spring into Recycling Event | Chevy Chase, MD
Shred sensitive documents, recycle old electronics, bring gently used toys and books for a toy swap, donate to the food pantry, and learn more about Montgomery County’s eco-friendly programs at the Spring into Recycling event in Chevy Chase, MD. Free ice cream and the opportunity to enter a vacation raffle giveaway will be available to participants. See here for more event information and donation and recyclables guidelines.
Ongoing
Play Eco-City Alexandria Bingo | Alexandria, VA
Complete self-paced Earth Day activities with Alexandria’s Eco-City Bingo Card. Participants who complete activities in a row, column, or diagonal line by May 1st will receive a participation certificate and t-shirt and will be entered in a drawing to win prizes. Download your BINGO card and see more information here.
METROPOLITAN DALLAS, TX OPPORTUNITIES
Saturday, April 20th
Give Back to the Community at Keep Up the Dream Festival of Service | Dallas, TX
Help promote prosperity and togetherness in Dallas’ Mill City neighborhood by participating in service activities such as a litter clean-up and tree planting at the Keep Up the Dream Earth Day Festival of Service at the Juanita Craft Recreation Center. Enjoy the festival’s live music, food and beverage vendors, local art displays, and memorial celebration of Dallas activist Omar Jahwar. See here for more event details.
Clean-Up Trash and Celebrate Earth Day | Grapevine, TX
Help protect the local environment by removing harmful litter and debris from natural areas by participating in a Statewide Clean-Up Initiative at Grapevine’s Don’t mess with Texas® Trash-Off. See here for more details and registration information.
After beautifying the area, stop by Grapevine’s Earth Day Celebration for live music, educational vendors, and eco-friendly crafting activities such as constructing your own bee hotel or seed ball. See here for more details and a list of vendors.
Release Ladybugs and Learn About Their Impact at Irving’s Earthfest | Irving, TX
Participate in the annual Ladybug release at Saddlehorn Park and learn about how ladybugs contribute to the local environment as well as their benefits to your home garden. Food trucks and other activities for all ages will also be available. See here for more information.
Monday, April 22nd
Attend EarthX Congress of Congresses for North Texas Day | Dallas, TX
Join other environmental enthusiasts and experts at the EarthX North Texas Day for informative sessions on local sustainability, resilience, and environmental justice as well as a networking reception for an opportunity to mingle with speakers and other attendees. Admission to North Texas Day is free and open to all North Texas residents. See here for tickets and more information.
