Earthly events

At Silver Chips Online, we know that holidays can be stressful. No one really wants to see all of their extended family over Thanksgiving, write Grandma a thank-you note for that Christmas sweater from the GAP Kids or have that awkward and forced Valentine's Day dinner. Luckily, Earth Day comes around every April 22 to relieve the pressure of those other holidays and requires nothing more of you than to simply bask in the environment and all its glory.

Earth Day began in 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, along with the Kennedy administration, founded the holiday to raise awareness and increase involvement in preserving our environment. Nelson, piggybacking off of the anti-Vietnam War energy that enveloped America at the time, hoped that the new holiday would spur a movement. Nelson's objective was unadulterated and still holds true today: Earth Day is about being aware and getting involved.

But it's not easy being green, even for a day. So whether participating in the holiday means cleaning up a local creek or just taking your afternoon nap outside, here are some lean, mean and green events that are sure to make your Earth Day delightful.

The Climate Rally
The Climate Rally combines performance with activism, with live musicians such as Sting, The Roots, John Legend and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. By peaceful, or rather musical, demonstration, the concert aims to persuade congress members to take more immediate action on environmental issues. "Avatar" director James Cameron will also make an appearance. Don't want to go alone? Sign up to attend the concert with Blair's Students for Global Responsibility (SGR).
When: Sunday, April 25, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: The National Mall
Cost: Free

Earth Day Community Shopping Event for the Anacostia Watershed Society
Celebrate Earth Day by shopping for Fair Trade goods and supporting the Anacostia River. Ten Thousand Villages is a store in Bethesda that offers handmade jewelry, crafts, home décor, art and accessories from Asian, Latin American, African and Middle Eastern countries. The organization is one of the largest Fair Trade corporations in the world, and its profits are used to improve the lives of artisans in poor and underdeveloped communities. On Earth Day, 15 percent of all purchases will benefit the Anacostia Watershed Society, which works to preserve the Anacostia River. In this win-win shopping situation, every purchased goes towards something good!
When: Thursday, April 22, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Ten Thousand Villages, 4959 Elm Street, Bethesda, M.D.
Cost: Buyer's choice

National Park Week
This week, admission to all 392 National Parks across the country is free! Locally, explore sites such as the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mt. Vernon's trail, the Anacostia National Park and Glen Echo for no charge at all. A great opportunity to spend time with Mother Nature, National Park Week is a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.
When: April 17 – April 25
Cost: Free

Environmental Film Festival
The Environmental Film Festival in the nation's capital will be screening multiple short films and documentaries, all relating to the environment, in honor of Earth Day. From humorous documentaries about the trash collecting industry to moving films about cancer and the environment, these important documentaries take audiences from Nigeria to Fifth Avenue and are sure to entertain as well as educate.
When: Sunday, April 25, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Institute for Science, 1530 P street, NW D.C. Metro: close to Dupont Circle on the Red Line
Cost: Free

SCA Anacostia National Park Cleanup
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) will be picking up trash at the Anacostia National Park as well as cleaning up the Anacostia River for a special Earth Day event. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. Lunch and cleanup tools will be provided; volunteers will meet at the Roller Skating Pavilion in the Park. No sign up necessary.
When: Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Anacostia National Park
Cost: Free