Earth Day 2013 is officially on April 22 – and it’s a fun time to enjoy all this fantastic earth has to offer – and remember that we must be responsible citizens and take care of our earth. There are plenty of Earth Day celebrations and events going on in and around Richmond.

The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970 and spurred the annual event to celebrate earth. The passage of important legislation to protect the earth followed. More than one billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year!

Check out the events below and let us know of others to add. Email us at email@completelykidsrichmond.com.

Be sure and check websites or call to confirm dates, times, and locations of events as they may change.

And if you’re looking for something sweet – then visit Sweet Spot in Short Pump for a special Earth Day treat! (photo to right from Sweet Spot Facebook page.)

Kids, Saving for College, and Saving the Earth!

VA529 has a special Earth Day celebration deal! Be a socially responsible investor and get tax–advantaged college savings! Up to $4,000 Virginia individual income tax deduction.

Now through May 11th, 2013

CVWMA Celebrates the Earth. It takes place from April 6th through May 11th. CVWMA will collect electronics for recycling.

Saturday, April 13th

Chesterfield County Environmental Fair and Fool for the Art takes place at John Tyler Community College’s Midlothian Campus. It’s April 13th from 10am-5pm.

Monday, April 15th

Guest Speaker: Trip Pollard (Senior Attorney Southern Environmental Law Center) discussing his role in managing the improvement of transportation and “smarter growth” in six states as well as his job relating to Innsbrook now and the future – 4600 Cox Road, James A,12:00pm-1:00pm. Light Lunch provided.  Admission FREE. To register please click here.

Tuesday, April 16th

RVA Street Foodies – 6-8 members of RVA Street Foodies to occupy Innsbrook from 11am-2pm and create a food truck food court. Walk to lunch or drive less, eat local ingredients and support local businesses. Proceeds benefit FeedRVA, non-profit providing a means for needy individuals to use their food stamps at local Farmer’s Markets. Location: North Shore Commons Lawn. 4951 Lake brook Dr. 11:00am-2:00pm. All managed and capable by Grow RVA.

Thursday, April 18th

E-recycle: Dispose of unwanted and used electronic devices. Meet Goodwill Industries and drop off your old computers, ipods, printers, and other unused electronics and allow Goodwill Industries to dispose of them in an earth friendly fashion. Located at Highwoods Plaza, 4470 Cox Road; the corner of Waterfront Place and Cox Road, from 10am-4pm.

Document Destruction: Drop off unused paper for Document Destruction to properly shred and recycle. Located on the corner of Waterfront Place and Cox Road, from 10am-2pm.

Friday, April 19th

Lake Clean-Up: Take an afternoon break or start the weekend early outside and help clean up the perimeters of the three lakes that contribute to the pristine beauty of Innsbrook. All volunteers will meet in front of 4600 Cox Road and then disperse in teams to cleanse the lakes. Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm. A snack will be provided by Relay Foods. All volunteers will meet in front of the Markel building 4600  Cox Road. If interested, please click here to sign up as a volunteer. When filling out the volunteer registration, please click “Other” and enter in “Lake Clean-up”.

Saturday April 20th – Monday April 22nd

Celebrate Earth Day at Pottery Barn Kids with a free packet of seeds for kids to plant at home (while supplies last). Plus proceeds fromt he purchase of select products go to Trees for the Future. It’s all free. Click here to find nearest location.

Saturday, April 20th

Earth Day Festival at 17th Street. A 20-year Spring tradition continues at 17th Street Farmers Market as we celebrate Earth Day 2013. The Earth Day Festival is scheduled for April 20 from 11am – 5pm. They have lots of events and activities planned, including:

• Eco-home presented by EarthCraft Virginia
• Eco-On-the-Go for cars and transportation ideas
• Eco-Outdoors for lawn care, and play sets
• Eco-Kids with hands-on activities for kids of all ages, gardening, games, and art projects
• Eco-Marketplace is highlighted with environmentally friendly arts and crafts vendors, farms, and wineries
• Eco-Adventure Interactive is a great place for rock climbing, biking, trail walks, and art demos
• Live music on 2 stages throughout the day

Powhatan Earth Day Celebration is Saturday, April 20th from 11am-2pm. There will be children’s activities, live music and food, free tree seedlings, educational exhibits, earth conscious vendors, garden tours, ‘green’ car exhibit, composting demos, plant sales and much more. It takes place on the Powhatan Courthouse Green in the Village.

Three Lakes Park Earth Day Celebration from 1pm-4pm on April 20. It’s free for all ages. Live entertainment, educational booths and displays, Henrico County Bookmobile, litter pick-up, face painting, and much more. Contact Rachel Moore at 804.501.5134.

Style Weekly’s Earth Day RVA ’13 is an outdoor street festival in the Manchester section of the City of Richmond. There will be education and resources for eco-friendly practices. Families can enjoy local food, craft beers, music, outdoor gear swap, bike fun, family activities, and much more. This event attracts more than 6,000 people of all ages from around Richmond. 98 artists, farmers, and eco-conscious organizations with over 20 local food trucks and carts, 18 live music performances, two kids areas, and tons of fun are waiting!

E-Recycling at the YMCA on April 20th at all branch YMCA locations or your local Goodwill store. Any brand of PC, laptop, printer, peripheral, video game systems, hardware, and software. Collection containers will be provided by Goodwill.

Chipotle Collaborates  with Loomstate for Earth Day! Now you can get eco-friendly clothing thanks to Chipotle.

Urban Agriculture In Richmond: A Town Hall Meeting. 11am – 2pm at C’Est La Vin, 15 North 17th St, Richmond VA 23219. Join us for the kick-off event of the 20th Earth Day Richmond festival as we discuss where Richmond is, where it has been, and where it is going in regard to Urban Agriculture. Network with urban agriculture advocates and professionals as we engage in dialogue around local food, environment awareness and sustainable agriculture in the city. Bring your questions, your experience and your enthusiasm to learn!

Party for the Planet at the Virginia Zoo. Norfolk celebrates Earth Day with their Party For The Planet! Just a short drive for a lot of fun. The event will include animal enrichment activities, crafts, informational presentations and lots of family fun. The whole family can learn how they can protect natural habitats locally and around the world. Included with Zoo admission of $11 for adults and $9 for children 2-11. Seniors are $10 and children under 2 are free.

Earth Day at The Virginia Living Museum. Celebrate Earth Day this Saturday at The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News from 9am-5pm. It’s a quick drive for lots of fun. Animals will receive toys and treats while visiting families can learn about the benefits of recycling and reducing waste. There will be a dedication of the museum’s Solar Education project, as well as crafts, tattoos, giveaways, a plant sale and earth-friendly animal shows. You can also see a car that runs on vegetable oil. Free for VLM members. Adults $17; Children $13 ages 3-12 years.

Sunday, April 21st

3rd Annual Earth Day Event takes place at Bass Pro Shops in Hanover County on Sunday, April 21 from noon to 5pm. There will be face painting, coloring contests, exhibits, demonstrations, and prizes throughout the day. Enjoy food and fun.

EARTH DAY – Monday, April 22nd

Free Junior Roast Beef at Arbys on April 22nd, Earth Day. Click here to learn more.

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