10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day All Year in Shoreline-Lake Forest Park

Earth Day is on Monday, April 22.

Founded in 1970 in the U.S. as a day of education about environmental issues, Earth Day is now a globally celebrated holiday. More than one billion people in 192 countries will observe the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day, according to the Earth Day Network.

Although Earth Day is a great reminder to be environmentally conscious, there are plenty of simple ways you can celebrate the earth all year long. Here are just 10 ways you can be eco-friendly long after Earth Day is over:

1. Plant a tree: Trees produce oxygen and help reduce air pollution. A single tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants a year, and produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen, according to the nonprofit American Forests.

2. Recycle reusable materials: The average person generates more than four pounds of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year, according to DoSomething.org.

3. Donate or recycle used electronics: Electronic waste includes computers, cell phones, televisions and other electronic devices in working or non-working condition that are no longer used. They can be donated through Washington's ECycle program.

4. Cut back on driving: Use public transportation, organize a carpool, ride a bike or walk whenever possible. Leaving your car at home two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

5. Reduce your energy use: Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

6. Use reusable bags: Each year, Americans throw away about 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags and about 10 billion paper bags, according to Earth911.

7. Buy locally: The average meal in the U.S. travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

8. Clean up the earth: More than 51 billion pieces of litter land on U.S. roadways each year, and litter cleanup costs the nation almost $11.5 billion each year, according to the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful.

9. Explore the outdoors.

Get to know your community better and explore the beauty of nature. Go for a walk, run or hike with friends and family, or a group.

10. Participate in eco-friendly activities.

Earth Day is April 22, but many people extend the celebration to make it Earth Week. Here is a list of local events you can participate in:

2013 Earth Day Every Day Event

A free event on Saturday, April 20 from 9a.m. - 3 p.m., at Central Market, 15505 Westminster Way N.

Celebrate Earth Day and be inspired to make a difference throughout the year. Central Market and the City of Shoreline invite you to celebrate our Northwest environment by trying new eco-living tools and learning how to protect our climate and reduce pollution.

To promote climate protection, a limited supply of LED light bulbs will be distributed. Watch your mail for an event flyer with additional details. The event is supported in part by King County Solid Waste Division and the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County. For more information about the Earth Day Every Day Event, call (206) 801-2700.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Volunteer Work Party

Habitat Restoration Pron Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, 2021 NW 190th St.

Join the University of Washington Ecological Restoration Students and the City of Shoreline as we continue to restore Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Service participants should expect to learn a brief history of restoration work completed at the park.

This service project will plant native plants that naturally occur on sandy near shore environments. Volunteers may bring a snack to enjoy during a mid-day break. Come prepared for the forecasted weather. Participants should meet at the restroom located in the Park’s main parking lot. Contact Maureen Colaizzi, Parks Project Coordinator, at mcolaizzi@shorelinewa.gov (206) 801-2603 for more information.

Participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 14-18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian.

Youth Council/Rotary Blue Heron Park Cleanup Event

April 20, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Animal Acres Park, NE 178th St and Brookside Blvd in Lake Forest Park.

Please join members of the Lake Forest Park Youth Council and Lake Forest Park Rotary Club for a volunteer work party at Animal Acres Park. Contact Linda Holman (206) 362-5541 or Paul Sundberg (425) 275-6359 for more information.

Is your group or organization holding an Earth Day or Earth Week Activity? Add it to our calendar!