It all started with a book by Rachel Carson. Silent Spring was originally published in 1962, and became a New York Times bestseller. It raised awareness about the links between pollution and the health and well-being of all living things – plants, animals, and humans. The book sold more than 600,000 copies in its first year, and spawned a movement that is still going today.
From the official Earth Day website: Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 – a time when “Americans were consuming vast amounts of leaded gas through massive and inefficient automobiles. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of the consequences from either the law or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity.” Visit their site to learn more about the history of the movement, what is happening now, and what the future holds.
RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY EARTH DAY EVENTS (may require pre-registration)
Earth Day Seed Pods (preschool)
Friday, April 14th, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Belmont branch
Little hands get messy making flower seed pods with recycled paper. When we’re finished, take the pods home to plant and see what grows!
Seed Bombs (children, tweens, teens)
Thursday, April 20th, 4:00-5:00
Broad Rock branch
Get ready for springtime planting by creating clumps of soil and seeds you can use to spread greenery in your own yard or throughout your neighborhood.
Book Folding Art (adults)
Saturday, April 29th, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
West End branch
A fun and interesting art process — plus a good way to reuse old books and give them a new purpose.
OTHER LOCAL(ISH) EARTH DAY EVENTS
If you’re interested in other community events, there are happenings in and around Richmond – from family friendly festivals to adults-only celebrations. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public, although some may require pre-registration or tickets. Call or check ahead!
Do the 360 Spring Cruise (for Electric Vehicles)
Saturday, April 15
Sponsor: Drive Electric RVA
An annual “cruise” for electric vehicles – this year from RVA to the Northern Neck (and the Heathsville Earth Day Festival)
Earthcraft Spring Community Event
Saturday, April 15, 12:00-3:00
Sponsor: RVA Thriving Artists
A Spring community event celebrating Earth Day and the importance of local art through activities, food and drink, and art.
Earth Day 2023
Deep Run Park
Saturday, April 22 10:00-1:00
Sponsors: Henrico Recreation & Parks and Keep Henrico Beautiful
Live music, activities for all ages, and food truck refreshments available for purchase. Activities include face painting, seed planting, inflatables, and a sensory-friendly activity tent.
Earth Day Events – Virginia State Parks
throughout Virginia state parks
Saturday, April 22
a variety of programs for fun, learning, and celebration, and to share ways you can invest your time and energy to make a difference for Virginia State Parks, and ultimately, our planet. note: most Earth Day events are free, but Virginia parks do charge entrance/parking fees.
Earth Day Green Drinks with CRLC!
Legend Brewing Co.
Thursday, April 20, 5:30-7:00
enjoy a local brew, meet fellow conservation supporters, and hear updates from Capital Region Land Conservancy.
Earth Day at the Science Museum of Virginia
An activity-packed event exploring sustainability, natural resources and environmental science. note: most Earth Day events are included with admission price to the museum.
Fit4Kids Fun Fest
Sunday, April 16, 3:00-5:00
Sponsor: Greater Richmond Fit4Kids
An event for kids encouraging family fun, outdoor play, and wellness!
Jazz Vespers: Earth Day “Hymns of Creation”
Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
Saturday, April 22, 6:00
A special Jazz Vespers service featuring the Kirktet Jazz Trio and arrangements of familiar hymns highlighting the theme of “creation.”
Rally in the Alley for Climate Action
AlterNatives Boutique
Saturday, April 22, 4:00
benefits the Highland Support Project
and finally, check out these curated booklists of RPL titles:
Climate Change: Looking at History (and Politics) as a Way Forward
Climate Change: What We Can Do Before It’s Too Late
Climate Change: What the Experts Have to Say
There is No Plan(et) B: Climate Change Fiction
