Happy Big, Blue Marble Day!

While Earth Day may be every day, today is the official day to think about our relationship with the environment. These days, almost everyone shops with a reusable tote bag and puts his or her bottles and cans in the blue bin, but there are more ways to participate in our much-needed, daily green efforts.

Patch has found five ways for you to celebrate the earth and your community while doing what’s best for Mother Nature.

1. Televisions, old cell phones, used laptops, even that broken toaster can all be recycled or disposed of properly for free. Many of the components in our electronics are harmful to the environment and must be disposed of properly. Keep track ofs Green Club and their frequent e-waste events with Patch. Handing over your used electronics helps raise funds for the students. Laptops can also be donated to the LCHS Engineering Club for use in building their awesome robots. Watch for the next event on Patch’s event page, or click over to the Green Club’s website. To donate your discarded Mac or PC to the robotics program, contact faculty advisor Steve Zimmerman at szimmerman@lcusd.net

2. Did you know that used batteries don’t belong in the trash or the recycling bin? The City of Los Angeles operates six disposal centers that are open to all residents of Los Angeles County. These S.A.F.E Centers accept and properly dispose of e-waste and batteries as well as paint, solvents, used motor oil and other automotive fluids, pool chemicals, medicine, and cleaning products. Centers are open on Saturdays and Sundays. For maps, information, and directions, check the LA Bureau of Sanitation website.

3. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works offers residents a free home water use evaluation. Experts will come to your home and help you find ways to save on your water usage and shrink your water bill. Stop by the department’s website for more information, including how to enjoy water-saving rebates.

4. Getting your hands dirty is a great way to reconnect with Mother Nature. While you may not consider yourself a green thumb, free gardening workshops sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works can get you started and show you the best way to create a garden that is sustainable. The 1.5-hour Smart Gardening workshops are available for both beginners and advanced gardeners, teaching composting, grass recycling, and water smart gardening techniques. Stop by the DPW’s website for more information.

5. NASA is going all out for Earth Day. invites you to join a live webchat with scientists in Greenland monitoring Arctic ice cover. Ask a question and learn more about IceBridge mission. For details on NASA Earth Day activities and other programs dedicated to learning about our home planet, stop by their website.