Despite the fact that she sustains our lives, literally, Mother Nature doesn't get a whole lot of kudos. Most of the time, we're abusing her via gas-guzzling vehicles, carbon-spouting factory farms, and plastic trash by the ton.
Since she only gets one day of recognition out of 365, the least we can do is show her some serious love. Luckily, there are lots of ways to make with the earth-affection this week, from volunteering, to ethical eating, to adopting a homeless pup. Check out our list and hop to it.
10. Do some downward facing dogs in Peacock Park.
Nothing says "I love the earth" like you in a pair of lululemon pants doing your best tree pose under the setting Miami sun. Seriously, can't you picture it? Practice some yoga in Peacock Park, and be one with the green grass beneath your feet.
The event starts at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 at 2820 McFarlane Rd. It's free.
9. Kill two birds with one stone and plant a tree for Arbor Day and Earth Day.
Trees are good. Our survival kinda depends on 'em, actually, so we really need to stop cutting them down to make Ultra flyers and toilet paper. Give some time and help put some in the ground, instead of helping to take 'em out.
The event starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 25 at 890 NE 69th St. It's free.
8. Party for the Planet at Zoo Miami.
The earth has lots of inhabitants. Celebrate some of the other species at this two-day ode to animals and nature at Zoo Miami. Buy plants, get into some green activities, hang with giraffes, and have a blast. The best part? You can come in free if you bring an old cell phone to donate. Lord knows you've probably got a few old iPhone incarnations hanging around.
The event runs Saturday and Sunday April 26 and 27 at 1 Zoo Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free with an old cell phone, $15.95 for grown-ups otherwise.
7. Get to grubbin' at Choices Kitchen grand opening.
If Mother Nature had her way, we'd all be locavores, eating our weight in leafy greens and coconut water sourced right outside our front door. Take a step in the right direction at the grand opening of Choices Kitchen, the vegan chain's newest outpost. There'll be a DJ, good grub and lots of eco-conscious folks to hang with.
The event runs 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at 711 NW 27th Ave. It's free and you can RSVP via Facebook.
6. Volunteer at Arch Creek Park.
The Urban Paradise Guild does some amazing work to keep the greenery going all around South Florida. In honor of Earth Day, help 'em dig up some old exotics and make room for new natives at Arch Creek Park. Can't make Tuesday? They've got stuff going every day of the week.
The event runs Tuesday, April 22, starting at 8 a.m. at 1855 NE 135th St. It's free.
5. Get your drum on at Miami Children's Museum.
Teach the kids to love their mama earth with good-for-you food, drumming for wellness, and recycled art activities. It'll be so much better than anything they'd learn at school.
The event runs on Tuesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 980 MacArthur Causeway. Museum admission is $12 for Florida residents.
4. Help clean up at Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park.
Get your hands dirty this Saturday with a little trash pick-up, gardening help and nature education, all while surrounded by magical hammocks and fairylike trees in an enchanted forest.
The event runs Saturday, April 26, starting at 8 a.m. at 1725 NE 135th Street. It's free.
This is Miami, and if you don't have a sketchy paper trail chronicling your legal misdeeds stuffed away somewhere -- you're probs in the minority. Get rid of that rubbish once and for all. Bring all your questionable documents to Unity of Miami Gardens on Saturday, and they'll shred that shit.
The event runs Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 16800 NW 17th Ave. It's free.
2. Adopt an animal in need.
You know you need a little more furry love in your life, and the Humane Society of Broward County is offering an Earth Day adoption special. Come Tuesday, when doggies or kitties over one-year-old are going at half price. Recycled pets are the best pets, and this way, you avoid potty training a puppy. Shudder.
The event runs from April 22 to 25 at 2070 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale. Adoption fees will be half off.
1. Hit up the Earth Day Festival at Pinecrest Gardens.
What better place to appreciate Mother Nature's handiwork than amid the lush flora and fauna of Pinecrest Gardens? Get your eco on with a farmer's market, wildlife shows, green vendors, an earth-friendly fashion show, and lots of other emerald-hued awesomeness for the big day.
The event runs Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 11000 SW 57th Avenue. It's free.
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