In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.

Aristotle

Growing up the child of two hippie parents, I’ve always celebrated Earth Day (and even Arbor Day). We recycled WAY before it was the cool, mainstream thing to do. One of my favorite Saturday traditions was when my dad and I went on our recycling trips. We’d sort and pack up all the recycling into our family van and drive it way out into what seemed like another world (but was most likely just the suburbs of Atlanta). Then we’d take the money we earned from our recycling  (probably only equal to $1 or $2) and go to Chick-fil-a and get an ice dream.

Looking back, I highly doubt the money we earned from taking the recycling covered the cost of our ice dreams. But that’s not the point. It wasn’t about the money. It was about making an effort. Doing our part to help the environment, even if it meant going out of our way (though for my part I must admit I quite liked our Saturday trips to recycling land).

April 22nd marks the 42nd annual Earth Day. For those of you who grew up in a non-hippie household, I’m here to share some ways that you too can celebrate this important holiday, both on April 22nd and throughout the year.

Recycle

Clearly I had to start with this one and this suggestion should be a no-brainer. Especially if you live in:

• Huntsville City
•  Madison City
•  Madison County

Why a no-brainer? Curbside recycling pick up is also part of your trash pick up. Not sure what can or cannot be recycled? Click here for a hand dandy chart!

Green Living Expo

If you want to know about how to live green, this is the event for you. The theme of the event event is even “Living green from the inside out.” The purpose of the expo is to raise awareness about environmental issues and to help consumers and organizations to become better stewards of our natural resources. So make plans on Thursday April 19, 2012 from 10am – 3pm to head out to Alabama A&M University Agribition Center for this great free event.

Garden

If you’re anything like me, you are skilled in many areas, but gardening is not one of them. After many attempts at growing plants (and failing brilliantly) my mother gave me a cactus, certain even I could keep that alive. What low expectations my mother had! I did manage to kill the poor cactus (not on purpose obviously). I’m that skilled. Luckily there are opportunities to garden even for cactus killers like me.

• Volunteer at the CASA Community Garden
• Volunteer at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens

For those with more of a green thumb, plant a garden in your yard. Here are some great upcoming events to get some amazing plants:

Earth Day Garden Event

Celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 22nd at the Madison Public Library. The Library will have crafts and music, the unveiling of the newest additions to the Library Garden, and a reading of Seuss’ The Lorax. Activities will last from  1 – 5pm.