It’s been a busy month for Planet Earth, hasn’t it? Earth Day has turned into a hot commodity, as I’ve evidenced from the huge amount of press releases, commercials, emails, articles, campaigns and events everywhere. Dare I say it’s overwhelming, even for the greenest of greenies?

I’ll be writing more this week about some worthy eco-campaigns, but today I’d like to keep it simple. If it’s possible to tune out the green shouts from the TV and internet, I’m going to suggest having a quiet Earth Day reflecting on what you - not your entire community, your spouse, family, colleagues and friends - and only you (ok, and your kids) can do to help the Earth out in the coming year. It only takes one thing to make a difference, so pick one. When you’re ready, pick another one, and so on and so forth. Some suggestions you may already do, and that’s amazing. The point isn’t to overwhelm, it’s to empower. So have a great Earth Day, every day!

*Plant a seed - it doesn’t need to be an entire garden - flowers and plants clean the air and beautify your home! Choose plants that can live indoors or ourdoors. You may find you’ll soon have the gardening bug!

*Recycle - start with just paper or your plastic and glass. Then move on to bigger things - electronics, etc.

*Buy local - this can be tough for many. If you don’t have a farmer’s market nearby, check to see if a co-op is in your area. If not, check labels on produce at your market. The closer to you the food was harvested, the less energy it took to travel there.

*Give back - and I’m not talking money, either. Cleaning out your closets offer a world of goods you can donate to groups in need. Kid’s clothing, toys, books, housewares, furniture, anything and everything can be used by someone else. You just have to get it to them!

*Read up - library shelves are stocked with green living books. Take some time to find one that speaks to you, to be more inspired to live better!

*Unplug - taking that little plug out of the wall from your toaster, coffee maker, computer, radio, even your TV, will save you money and the planet wasted energy. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there!

*When in doubt, hug a tree - spend some time outside to recharge. Being in nature is the best way to be reminded how amazing our planet is, and how desperately it needs to be restored!

Earth Month is in full swing, anywhere and everywhere you look. And of course, there are contests, prizes, giveaways, etc. to  Brita and Filter For Good wants you to throw your two green cents in with a question and a meme - “How will you FilterForGood this Earth Month?” Your answers to that question can win you some great prizes!

Blake Killian, one of my fellow bloggers over at FilterForGood, tagged me in this meme. So, how will I FilterForGood? Ok, here goes -

*Gardening! My kids have been gardening fools this year, both at home and school. I’d love to continue this, and even try to step it up by growing veggies we can eat and share.

*Bringing green to my daughter’s schools - next week, I’ll be helping the Kindergarten classes with their Earth Day sculptures made from recycled materials parents were asked to bring in. I’d like to take things further in the coming school year with even more eco-educational opportunities, activities and green conservation efforts in our community!

*Going local - there are two new farmer’s markets in our area, hooray! I’m going to be very conscious about where I buy my produce, as well as encourage friends to do the same.

*Read green - I’m truly amazed, and proud, of all the eco-literature being published. This year, I’m going to build my green library beyond home and parenting guides, and read more about economic and social practices around the world.

*Give back - Although times are tough, we always try to give back a little bit to charities big and small. I hope we can continue these efforts in the future!

Now that you’ve read my ideas, how about yours? The rules are simple for this meme. If you’re tagged, post five things you plan to do for the environment this Earth Month on your blog. At the end of your list, tag five of your favorite blogs, and include a link back to this post using the hyperlinked text “FilterForGood Blog Meme Contest.” Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs, or on their Twitter accounts (using the hash tag #FFGBlogMeme). Also, be sure to include these rules at the bottom of your post.

I’m tagging Adam Berg from Earth Promise; Sommer from Green and Clean Mom; my favorite local greenie, Tara Burner; Beth at Petite Planet; and, Micaela the Mindful Momma.

Here’s an added bonus! At the end of Earth Month, FilterForGood will choose a few lucky bloggers who posted their five things to win some Brita gift packs to help you go green! Be sure you link back to the original meme post [http://www.filterforgood.com/blog/?p=1407] to enter the contest! Good luck, and Happy Earth Day!

I’ve been holding on to this giveaway for a few weeks, and after yesterday’s heartbreaking post, I thought something totally light and fun was totally appropriate! I’m sure you’ve been seeing commercials for Disneynature’s first film, simply titled “Earth“. Earth looks absolutely breathtaking (as it should)!

Earth, the first film in the Disneynature series, is narrated by James Earl Jones and tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their amazing journey across the planet we all call home.  Earth combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet’s wildest and most elusive creatures. Directors Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, the acclaimed creative team behind the Emmy Award-winning “Planet Earth” series combine forces again to bring this epic adventure to the big screen, beginning Earth Day 2009.

Earth premieres in theaters nationwide on Earth Day, April 22nd! To get you and your family excited about this breathtaking documentary, Disneynature is giving away a variety of Earth-branded products including a canvas tote, a biodegradable tumbler, and a tree seedling to one lucky reader! Additionally, for every ticket sold for Earth during the first week of it’s release, Disney will plant a tree in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered rainforests in the world. So, make sure you take your kids to see what promises to be a spectacular film, see the earth, and help replace a precious piece of it all at the same time.

To enter, leave a comment on this post describing how you will be spending Earth Day this year! This contest will be open until next Tuesday, April 21st at midnight, PST. Open to US residents only, the winner will be chosen at random. Good luck, and let me know what you think of the film if you go see it!

Washington State and Oregon happen to be two of my most favorite states to visit, although I never ever get out there anymore. As a greenie, it’s amazing to see all of the incredible products and ideas for kids and families coming from these areas. They’re almost like ground zero for green living. If you live there, lucky you. Enjoy these sure to be inspiring Earth Day events. Hi Ben and Sio!

Oregon

Portland - The City Repair Project, an all-volunteer grassroots organization around Oregon, is throwing a huge “Dance of the Dinosaur” Earth Day extravaganza at Overlook Park in North Portland. With three stages of entertainment, and over 150 booths, I’d say this is the place to be!

Starting at various locations around Portland - Ride your Bike to Overlook Park with BikeEarthDay organized riding groups!

Silverton - Earth Day at The Oregon Garden and their “Green Footprints” theme - what a perfect place to spend a day with the Earth!

Portland - Join the “Party for the Planet” at the Oregon Zoo, focusing on climate change and their Year of the Polar Bear exhibit. Stay for the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival!

Dorena - Cedar Creek Botanicals is hosting an Herb Walk for Earth Day - enjoy natural (and wild herbs) on 10 acres!

Lincoln City - This two day event focuses on global warming solutions, and will include live music, informative lectures, face painting, and ooh, fire dancers!

Washington State

Various locations around Washington State - This is THE RESOURCE for Earth Day events around Washington State. Events include wildlife events, park appreciation and clean up events, film fests…you name, you can find it!

Seattle - The “Global to Local” Earth Day Benefit celebrates local citizens doing extraordinary work for the environment. Tickets are $25.

Many thanks to Jillian, who so graciously emailed me a list of goings-on around Minneapolis, a place I’ve never been to but know they love to be green.  Email me if you know of events in your area!

Various locations around Minneapolis - Join in on the 14th Annual Earth Day Watershed Clean up at one of the 36 parks in the Minneapolis area!

Minneapolis Recycle Run 5K - Spring is finally here, so get out and run off some of your winter blues! There’s also a Kid’s half-mile run. First 500 who register get a ticket to a Twins game!

St. Louis Park - Celebrate Earth Day with a festival featuring local green organizations, and a kid’s concert with “KidPower with Rachael” environmentally-based music and fun!

Duluth - The University of Minnesota’s Earth Club is hosting their 3rd annual “Earth Think” Earth Fest at Lief Erickon Park.

Como Park Zoo - Celebrate the opening of the new Children’s Gallery with the “Party for the Planet”.  Learn about recycling, water gardens, and how to lower energy consumption, or just enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

There’s so much going on in the city that never sleep for Earth Day, I probably missed a lot. Check local papers for more information…but here’s what I found scouring the web. Most events are April 19th and 20th, and are free and open to the public!

Various - Search the New York State Parks database for Earth Day information at a park near you!

New York City - “Earth Day New York” at Grand Central Station looks like it’s going to be larger than life. With giant earth images hanging from the gigantic rafters and a weekend-long indoor and outdoor fair, it’s a great place to spend Earth Day with the family.

New York City - the Earth Day Celebration in Central Park urges you to bring a blanket and stay a while. There’s going to be a concert, planting classes, kid’s crafts, tree tours, even recycled material instrument making!

New York City, East Harlem - Join JetBlue Airways and New York Restoration Project for the “One Thing That’s Green” project of planting trees around this eclectic neighborhood.

Fort Greene, Brooklyn - NYC’s first “eco-eatery,” Habana Outpost, celebrates Earth Day is going all out with their Earth Day Expo, featuring red worm composting, a recycled art show, beekeeping classes, arts and crafts, and plenty of shopping.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn - Earth Week at the Audubon Center will feature a different earth theme each day, including nature crafts, tree walks, bird talks, films, and more.

South Bronx - the GetGreen Earth Fest on Saturday, April 19th from 12-4pm at St. Mary’s Park will raise environmental awareness mixed with the spirit of the South Bronx, including dancing and a music competition. For more details, call 718.533.5291

Westchester (Valhalla) - Westchester’s Earth Day Celebration at the Kensico Dam includes live music, cell phone recycling centers, alternative fuel car displays, kid’s activities, and park clean-up volunteering. Check out Westchester’s other events around the county throughout the month of April.

Rye - the Rye Nature Center is hosting an Earth Day celebration with workshops, a nature poetry hike, nature crafts, and a kid’s art show.

As one of the greenest states in the US, California will be living it up this Earth Day, with expos, clean-ups, and parties for everyone. Check to see if there are events going on in your area…

San Francisco Zoo - join the wildest Earth Day party at the San Francisco Zoo for the “Party for the Planet”. Eco-exhibits mix with fun animal awareness activites for kids who love to mingle with nature.

San Francisco - McLaren Park - “Nature in the City” is a free celebration that will transform the park into an ecological classroom!

Napa Valley - “Earth Day Napa” will feature tree planting, kids yoga, solar power demonstrations, kite building, and more.

Los Angeles and San Diego - the traveling Green Living Expo will be in Cali for Earth month. One of the most comprehensive green Expos out there, check out their Green Kids section, as well as featured exhibitors for health and beauty, green building, and an eco-fashion show.

San Bernadino - the Earth Day Fair and Expo 2008 is encouraging participants to “Build Green Habits” with hands on activities, electric go karts, wellness seminars, and organic food.

Santa Cruz - celebrate Earth Day at the Farmer’s Market, or take a bird walk at Neary Lagoon!

Sacramento - get some exercise on Earth Day at the Earth, Water, Air, and Soil Foundation’s Earth Day 5k/10k run and walk, for children and adults! Stay after for lunch and the river clean-up.

Rocklin - Environmental Education and Exotic Wildlife Rescue Center is hosting a Children’s Earth Day celebration featuring the earth friendly “Toy Laboratory,” food and games!

Dos Lagos in Corona - the second annual Green Valley Earth Festival will feature live music, a children’s art theater, face painting, and a Green Career Day.

Pacific Palisades - various events throughout the month of April, including classes on sustainable gardening and eating.

Santa Margarita - meet local farmers at the Earth Day Food and Wine Festival!

Roseville - “Celebrate the Earth” is a joint venture between the City of Roseville, Dry Creek Conservancy, Placer Nature Center and Sierra College to promote a sustainable future.

Hayward - Earth Day Festival, with a children’s art contest and creek clean-up.

Various locations - California State Parks Foundation is hosting clean-up and other volunteer opportunities on April 19th. Check here to find a park near you to volunteer!

We’re gearing up for Earth Day, and I’ve been reminiscing about the big celebration I took part in when I was in college in Washington, DC, complete with life-sized nests and Boys to Men performing (this was 1998, people). This year, with going green and eco-consciousness all the rage, Earth Day 2008 will take on new meaning for many people - and draw many more families to happenings near them. I’m going to make a bold attempt to list Earth Day events in cities across the country, by state. I’ll be starting with my second-home state of Florida, and work my way around the US. If you know of events you’d like listed, let me know and I’d be happy to add it to my posts!

So, aside from worrying about rain in Florida, there are many wonderful Earth Day events that involve nature appreciation, local clean-ups, or just partying it up by the beach. Most events are free, so get out there - there’s something for everyone!

Florida Keys - from Key West all the way up the island chain, the Keys are celebrating their unique surroundings (including the only living coral barrier reef in the US) with everything from an environmental art fair, puppet shows, or what may be the highlight for many, a sand sculpture event spelling out “Living Green is Key,” which will be visible from above!

Miami area - Earthfest 2008 in Key Biscayne will feature performances, nature-themed activities, and many eco-sponsored educational booths.

Fort Lauderdale - The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science is going all out with Solar car racing; organic gardening lessons; organic foods; a “bat chat”; and special 3D IMAX showings all weekend

Deerfield Beach - from an eco-Movie Night (The Lorax by the beach, anyone?), to a beach clean up, celebrate Earth Day all month!

Boca Raton - Visit the Sandoway House Nature Center for the “Great American Clean-Up” for Earth Day along the coast of Delray Beach; stay for the shark feedings and craft time for kids.

Lake Worth - Clear Channel’s Earth Day “Green Festival” for eco-education and enjoyment by the Intracoastal waterway!

Central Florida - Downtown Orlando will be bustling with tree planting, music, eco-vendors, and more!

Tampa Bay area - The big party is at the University of South Florida Sundome for a huge Expo of workshops, exhibits, and going green fun!

Gainesville - The Florida Museum of Natural History will be hosting a music-filled Earth Day celebration, and launching their environmental education CD-ROM produced by the Florida Defenders of the Environment.

Titusville (North Brevard) - Friends of the Enchanted Forest presents their 12th annual Earth Day “Family Fun Fest,” complete with face-painting, storytime, and puppets by the pond.

Bay County (Panama City area) - Earth Day Bay County includes highlights the seagrass restoration project. Bring in an incandescent lightbulb and get a free compact florescent bulb!