By and large, the Earth has been good to you. Sure, it has its faults just like any other planet or celestial body. It quakes and buckles every now and then. It’s got a bit of a temper when it comes to weather, throwing fits of hurricanes, tornados, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, blizzards, droughts and downpours.
But we’ll take that in exchange for the bountiful up side: forests, mountain streams, beautiful beaches, a stunning array of fauna and fields of wildflowers, snow-capped mountains—and we’d be remiss to leave out rainbows.
Just as every day is Mother’s Day (according to Mom), every day is Earth Day as well, even though, like Mother’s Day, there’s just one Earth Day. And, while the corporate world hasn’t quite figured out a way to make a killing with Earth Day profits, it’s still a day we should celebrate our home planet.
Of course, you’re free to do it in a haphazard, private and contemplative way just by going to your favorite Earth place—a park, a lake, a beach, a hiking trail—and quietly appreciate it. But there are also some more organized and active ways to give thanks to Earth on its special day on Saturday, with most tailored to the younger set—those who will one day inherit the Earth.
Aquarium of the Pacific
When you’re celebrating the Earth, you’re largely celebrating water, which covers about 71% of the planet’s surface.
The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach’s exemplary contribution to studying, displaying and spreading the knowledge of lands, plants and animals along the Pacific Rim, is finding itself taken over Saturday by the Pacific Teen Climate Council that’s made up of young volunteers interested in preserving the planet. The event will feature an upcycled fashion show and teen researcher booth as well as a panel discussion regarding environmentally-friendly fashion as a way to minimize our carbon footprints and look good doing it. Aquarium admission is required. You can buy tickets online here.
McBride Park
The Long Beach group Roots of Unity will celebrate a Family Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, the day will be packed with activities, games, prizes and more. It’s at the park, so you’re already enjoying a nice green part of the planet as soon as you show up. Space is limited. Call 562-606-7526 for reservations.
LBX Hangar
Hang out on the Hangar lawn at an Earth Day celebration from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Bring the kids, bring your pets and leave your money at home (though you’ll need some if you want to enjoy the offerings at the Hangar’s eateries) at this free event featuring live music, face painting and a showcase of the works of the 30-plus vendors at the Makers Market. So, yeah, money for that, too. But, again, the event is free. You’ll find the LBX Hangar at 4150 McGowen St. in the 90808.
MOLAA
The Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., is celebrating a sort of belated Earth Day on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. with a free art workshop for kids, in which participants are invited to work on projects that represent local environmental issues or those impacting people and communities throughout the world. It’s a pretty broad subject, so there’s plenty to choose from. Go here for reservations. And, while you’re at it, swing by MOLAA’s pop-up Sustainable Gifts shop from 1 to 4 p.m. and check out the offerings of designers who incorporate sustainable practices and materials in their craft. Colombian jewelry created from tagua seeds by MuiChic and Mexican upcycled tote bags are the new arrivals to the store.
2ND & PCH
More fun for the younger set can be found at the 2ND & PCH shopping center, located at … well, it’s where it’s called. Earth Day activities at the grand staircase stage go from 10 a.m. to noon when kids can enjoy entertainment with Tully the Turtle and friends followed by meet and greets. There’ll also be crafts on Seaport Way, and free face-painting.