Tips, activities to celebrate Earth Day alone or with the family

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Spring is arriving and so is Earth Day.

If you'd like to get in the Earth Day spirit, here are some things you could do to help out your community and ecosystem.

Volunteer

• Many groups like to do "cleanups" to celebrate Earth Day. It helps eliminate trash in the ground and waterways. (Cleanup map)
• Plant trees and wild/native flora: This will help bees, which are facing tough times. (See plant guides from the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute here.)

Help your biome

• As mentioned above, you can help keep your biome diverse by planting native species.
• Weed out invasive species (Read about New Mexico's invasive species here)
• Pick up trash while you walk your pets or while the little ones are playing at the park.
• Be diligent with water conservation by using a dishwasher, taking short showers, and not letting faucets run.

Consume less

• Consider eliminating as much single-use plastic as you can from your next grocery trip
• Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, cups, straws, and utensils
• Buy and shop secondhand
• Instead of trashing items, donate belongings to thrift stores and nonprofits
• Buy local: When less transport is involved in the goods you consume, the carbon footprint of those products is smaller and more eco-friendly.
• Shut off lights and electrical appliances before leaving the home.

There are events and projects throughout New Mexico as well! See them below.

• Kids can learn about pollinators at the Albuquerque Main Library on April 19.
• Tijeras is hosting a community cleanup on April 20.
• Earth Day Hike at Oak Canyon, Jemez Historical Site, is on April 20.
• On April 20, there's an Earth Day Family Craft event at the Lomas Tramway Branch Library.
• The Alameda Park Zoo is hosting a celebration on April 20.
• Santa Ana Star is taking back old electronics at its recycling event on April 20.
• Buffalo Exchange is doing a $1 sale on April 20.
• Bernalillo County is doing an Earth Day cleanup on April 20.
• The Earth Day Festival at Balloon Fiesta Park is on April 21.
• La Montañita EarthFest 2024 is on April 21 at their Nob Hill location.
• The Albuquerque Public Library system hosts a "Learn To Garden" class on select days.
• Public libraries also have a "Seed Library."