Things to Do

Green Up: Earth Day Events in Washington

April 22 is Earth Day, a day set aside for calling attention to the environment and the issues affecting it. Whether you want to plant a tree, go for a hike, or take part in a workshop teaching you how to be more “green,” here’s a list of events and activ

Celebrate Earth Day tours
Head to the Smithsonian American Art Museum to take a docent-led tour of American art depicting the environment.
April 18, 19, and 22, 4 PM. Free.

“Reducing Your Carbon Footprint”
Discover the impact of your daily life on your health and community. Speakers from the Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ward 8 Environmental Council will come together at the Anacostia Community Museum to discuss ways to become better stewards to the environment.
April 22, 7 PM. Free. 

“Who Invented the Environment?”
Lemelson Center senior historian Joyce Bedi will discuss the history of today’s environmental movement at the American History Museum.
April 23, noon to 12:30. Free

“Earth 911: A Wake-Up Call for Obama Nation”
Authors Derrick Jensen and Mickey Z. will discuss political and social issues related to the environment at the Arlington Temple United Methodist Church.
April 25; doors open at 6 PM for book signing and purchasing; the forum begins at 7.

Disney Nature Earth
This film, narrated by James Earl Jones, follows three animal families from around the world. Directed Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, who also made Planet Earth, the movie opens on Earth Day at Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 in DC’s Chinatown, Regal Potomac Yards 16 in Alexandria, and Majestic Cinema 20 in Silver Spring.

Alexandria Earth Day
Alexandria’s annual event, held at Ben Brenman Park, will focus on alternative transportation this year. The city’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee will host an Earth Day tree sale, where customers can buy trees for less than retail price. The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services will also be selling Presto compost bins. Visit alexearthday.org for more information.
April 25, 10 to 2.

Bethesda Goes Green
The Bethesda chapter of the Friends of the Library, Bethesda Green, and other nonprofits are sponsoring events in conjunction with Earth Day. On April 25 at noon, Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of City of Trees: The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Washington, DC, will give a slide presentation on the history of the area’s trees dating back to George Washington. At 1 PM, join the Little Falls Watershed Alliance to help label storm drains. At 2, Marnery Bruce and Lore Rosenthal of the Simplicity Matters Earth Institute will lead a conversation about creating a more sustainable future. Click here  for more information.

“Living Green” Events at the House of Sweden
The Swedish Embassy is devoting itself to environmental issues this spring. Through June 7, events will focus on climate change, reducing global warming, and sustainability. On April 22, the embassy will host a research seminar showcasing Sweden’s transition to leading the European Union Delegation in December’s Copenhagen Climate Conference. Click here for more information.