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Earth Week runs from Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 22, 2022, packed with a series of worldwide events geared towards supporting the environment.
In an effort to increase awareness of climate-related issues, environmentally conscious organizations are highlighting issues such as the persistent increase in temperatures, the decrease in reliable rainfall and other crucial factors that affect the health of the planet.
Earth Week is about taking a step back and appreciating, healing and giving back to the planet we inhabit. Intersections South L.A. compiled a list of upcoming events for the community to support the environment.
Solar Education Week
Ever thought about alternative energy sources? What about the sun? Climate justice non-profit RE-volv will host its eighth annual Solar Education Week this year. Solar Education Week joins the initiative to host national forums about solar energy from April 15-22. The USC Ambassador team will host Solar Yoga at USC, a movie screening of “Electrified,” a cleanup at the Berkeley Waterfront and a chance to learn about building a solar installation from other solar innovators.
Sydney Muñoz, RE-volv’s community engagement coordinator, said that events such as these are a vital opportunity to engage communities and raise awareness for the accessibility of solar energy.
“I think it’s really great that it captures a different audience, and they’re able to really learn about and have that practice of yoga, but then also learn about embracing solar and renewable energy as well,” Muñoz said.
Climate Equity LA Virtual Workshop
A coalition of LA community organizations including the Los Angeles Public Works, Communities for a Better Environment and the Liberty Hill Foundation, will host the latest panel for the Climate Equity LA virtual workshop series on April 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The conferences address community-driven climate resilience, climate solution investments; discuss what social, physical, and institutional climate practices must be met to address future climate hazards in LA. All conference findings are shared in a report to the Climate Emergency Mobilization Commission and LA City Council. Other panels will continue the discussion of equitable climate policy in May.
Los Angeles Unified Earth Day Festival
Looking for something family-friendly, free and fun? On April 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be an Earth Day Festival at Will Rogers State Historic Park Polo Field. Hosted by L.A. Unified, there will be food trucks, DJs, activities for kids and yoga classes. The festival will also host sustainable organizations and vendors and green tech solutions.
Earth Day Summit
Listen to a panel of sustainability experts at A Climate Reality Presentation on April 22. Hosted by Recycle2Riches and Art Share LA, the Earth Day Summit features waste art displays, an eco marketplace, custom cocktails and a virtual reality experience. The event requires either a basic ticket for $20 or a supporter ticket for $100, but all proceedings support the two non profit hosts. What better way to celebrate and support the Earth at the same time?
Earth Day Celebration Planting at Griffith Park
Can’t make it to any events during the weekdays? Earth Week fervor continues on April 23. FoGP, LA Recreation and Parks and CD-4 invites volunteers for Earth Day Celebration Planting at Griffith Park from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. RSVPing, a hat, water and gloves is required for volunteers who wish to join the environmental efforts of planting ferns along the Fern Dell stream bed. Gardening is followed by a Fern Dell Hike led by ecologist Courtney McCammon.
Strive for a cleaner environment with a cleanup
What better way to conclude Earth Week with a nice cleanup of our surroundings? Join the community effort to wrap things up with some work gloves and recycle waste bags. A cleanup at Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park, hosted by Friends of the Los Angeles River, encourages students to join their efforts on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Too far from home? Recycle For Veterans hosts a simultaneous beach cleanup at Belmont Pier, Long Beach.
“There’s a lot of different things that people can do to be more sustainable and participate and make Earth Week a part of their life,” Muñoz said. “And so I say, find those one or two areas that you want to work on and maybe that’s renewable energy in your energy footprint.”
From panels to cleanups, Earth Week is about celebrating this planet’s legacy and efforts to build a habitable environment for all.
“I think there is more of a sense of urgency this year and every year,” Muñoz said. “We have a lot more information than we did 50 years ago about how greenhouse gasses are causing more climate change and how that is just really accelerating.”