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Many of us give living green a try on a daily basis: We carpool when possible, tote reusable bags to the grocery store, and buy local produce at the nearest farmers' market. But if you need a mark on the calendar to remember to spare a thought or two for the planet, the time of year is here. Ring in Earth Day 2013 right by checking out a recycle center in Burbank, planting some native flowers in a state park, or dropping off those dusty, outdated electronics at a major recycling event in Malibu. These and other events below put the Mother Earth on a pedestal—but hopefully you put her there everyday.
Friday, April 19
Test Drive a Smart Car: Ever considered trading in your gas guzzler for a tiny, eco-friendly smart car? Test drive one this week at the smart car pop-up store next to the Nordstrom in Santa Monica Place. Register now for a time slot. There's still room for test drivers Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 28. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 90401.
Veggie Grill Giveaway: To lessen your personal carbon omission rate, Veggie Grill encourages you to ride your bike more often and eat more plant-based meals. Cycle to the restaurant and purchase an entree any day during "Earth Week" (April 18 and April 24) and they'll give you a free entree card for your next visit. Score for the planet and for you. Multiple locations, see website.
Saturday, April 20
Santa Monica Beach Cleanup: Join Heal the Bay and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium's Nothin' But Sand Cleanup, a shore effort from 10AM to 12PM; All participants get free admission into the aquarium. If you can't make it during the official cleanup hours, you can lead your own crew anytime between 11AM and 2PM on April 20 and April 21, and you can borrow supplies from the aquarium. 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, 90401.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Planting: Join Audubon Los Angeles and other local organizations as they plant native plants in parts of the Ballona Creek Watershed. Gloves and other necessary tools will be provided but you should wear good shoes and plan for sun protection. Call ahead to register your spot, and keep in mind that those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The event runs from 9AM to 12PM. 4100 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90056
Photo by sam_frank via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Malibu Recycle Event: De-clutter your closets by dropping off old batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, paints, and car fluids at Malibu City Hall's recycling event from 10AM to 2PM. The city is also collecting white polystyrene foam found in new electronics packaging, which will be used to make recycled surfboards via the Waste To Waves program. 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd, Malibu, 90265.Burbank Recycle Center: Ever wonder what happens to the contents of your blue recycle can? Do some research by going to the Burbank Recycling Center's Earth Day celebration. Guests can take a tour of the center, get free composting materials, turn old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags, or learn about other green city programs like free tree initiatives and gardening efforts. Kiddos can play games and take goofy photo booth pictures in the Kid's Corner. The event takes place from 11AM to 3PM at the Burbank Recycle Center. 500 S Flower St. Burbank, 91502.
Sunday, April 21
Activities at The Grove: Anthropologie and Wellgro Co are teaming up for Earth Day activities from 12PM to 3PM. Shop for produce at a pop-up farmer's market or get a little dirt under your nails at a hands-on potting workshop set up for kids. The author of cookbook Pure Vegan will also be in attendance and will sign copies of the text. 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, 90036.
The Echo Station: From 10AM to 4 PM Culver City's Echo Station is hosting its annual Children's Earth Day extravaganza, and it's bound to wow the young 'ens. Games and prizes, face painting, craft booths, food trucks, and appearances by various Disney Channel actors are just some of the goings on. The outdoor event is free, but for $5 guests can peek at the 200+ exotic animals housed inside the station. 10101 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, 90232.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Create a tune on an instrument made from recycled goods, join in an adult poetry workshop, take a guided tour of the museum, or draw something from nature during LACMA's special Earth Day event. An admission ticket is required, but if you take alternative transportation (bus, train, bike, unicycle, etc), your admission is gratis! Events begin at 11AM. 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036.
Monday, April 22
Tom's Flagship Store in Venice: Help make your corner of the world a little greener. Stop by the Tom's flagship store on Abbott Kinney for a free pack of seeds and/or seedlings. 1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, 90291.
