Celebrate Earth Day Locally and Globally

Earth Day, on April 22, will serve again as a galvanizing force on ways to save our planet. With the theme of End Plastic Pollution, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is setting a specific focus this year on the importance of reducing the use of plastics and finding more Earth friendly alternatives (EarthDay.org).

The nonprofit notes that of the approximately 300 million tons of plastic annually produced to make bags, bottles, packages and other commodities worldwide, only about 10 percent is successfully recycled and reused. The rest ends up in landfills or as litter, leaching dangerous chemicals into soil and water, endangering humans and wildlife alike.

EDN asks everyone to pledge to switch to sustainable alternatives, subscribe to its newsletter, spread the word via social media, educate and mobilize citizens to demand action, and donate to support the adoption of a global framework to regulate plastic pollution that will engage individuals, companies and governments worldwide.

Further, EDN is extending people’s ability to take personal responsibility by self-rating and guiding their involvement via practical toolkits. “People can create and follow a plan to reduce their plastic footprint and also share that data to help others via the Billion Acts of Green online campaign,” says Valeria Merino, vice president of Global Earth Day, adding that participants will be able to create an ongoing record and track their commitments. The initiative is also providing materials, tips on organizing cleanup events and social media tie-ins.

Help celebrate and forward progress in sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2018 events.

EarthShare of Georgia’s 2018 Earth Day Leadership Breakfast

8 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12 Business and nonpro t leaders will join students and environmentalists for this morning of networking and exploring environmental topics. It will feature keynote speaker Lewis Perkins, president of Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

The Fairmont 1429 Fairmont Ave. NW, Atlanta 404-873-3173, EarthShareGA.org

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EarthShare of Georgia’s 2018 Earth Day Party

7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 19 This party will bring together a diverse group of grassroots environmentalists, devoted philanthropists and business professionals whose collective goal is to integrate sustainable practices and policies. The Gathering Spot, 384 Northyards Blvd. NW, Bldg. 100, Atlanta 404-873-3173, EarthShareGA.org

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Georgia Tech Earth Day Festival

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 20

Will feature exhibitors and include eco- friendly giveaways, recycling opportunities, a clothing swap, an ffice supply exchange, live music and organic popcorn. Free.

Georgia Institute of Technology’s Tech Walkway North Ave.,  Atlanta EarthDay.GaTech.edu.

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Alive! Expo

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 22

Celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly interactive demos, live health lectures and kids’ activities. Learn how to integrate natural products and green living into daily life.

Cobb Galleria Centre 2 Galleria Pkwy. Atlanta AliveExpo.com

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Atlanta Botanical Garden Earth Day

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 22

Celebrate nature. From ladybug releases to learning about conservation, there will be fun for everyone. Enjoy Storybook Time at 10:30 a.m. Free with Garden admission.

1345 Piedmont Ave Atlanta AtlantaBG.org

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Vine City Elizabeth Avenue Earth Day Festival

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 22

A wide variety of activities, educational exhibits and environmentally friendly products and services to the community. Will feature food, family-friendly entertainment, vendors and more.

Vine City Park, Magnolia St NW Atlanta Tinyurl.com/yb3qbmpl

Image: Pierre Sabatelli/Shutterstock.com