By Katie Bowles
Earth Day is tomorrow, and Virginia’s Arbor Day is this Friday–do some good for the planet and celebrate the holidays with one of these Northern Virginia events, then check out our handy tips at the bottom to help the Earth year-round.
Alexandria Earth Day Celebration
Stop by Ben Brenman Park this coming Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see demonstrations, an “Upcycling Showcase” and participate in activities for all ages. Details here.
4800 Brenman Park Dr., Alexandria
Green Living Expo and Earth Week Community Fair
Come to George Mason University’s Founders Hall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the expo and fair, which will include activities, demonstrations, a silent auction, green products for sale and more. Learn more here.
Mason Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, 3351 Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Springfest Fairfax
Also on Saturday is Springfest Fairfax, held at the the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Come out from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. and enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides and plant sales. Springfest will also be having a Stream Cleanup and Tree Planting on Saturday from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. at Occoquan Regional Park for those looking to do their part before celebrating. More information here.
9601 Ox Road, Lorton
Green Inspirations Environmental Film Festival
The Cinema Arts Theatres in Fairfax are hosting an Environmental Film Festival this week (began yesterday, runs through Thursday). See six different environmentally-themed movies beginning at 4 p.m. each day for free (though donations are allowed).
9650-14 Main St., Fairfax
Environment-friendly Tips for Earth Day and beyond
Purchase a tree to plant, learn about existing trees or donate to the Arbor Day Foundation on the organization’s website
Recycle. Separate your trash before putting it into the garbage and take recyclable items to one of the Fairfax County drop-off centers listed here
Take alternative transportation to work. Bike or walk to be really green, or take one of the many methods of public transportation available in Northern Virginia to cut down on pollution (and save on gas money)