All throughout the pandemic, our only escape from the monotony of our homes has been long walks in the doors and becoming one with nature. Although it is still important to be careful and maintain social distancing, here are a few ways to celebrate Earth Day outside and give some love to our beautiful planet. 

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Understandably, if you want to celebrate Earth Day in the comfort of your backyard, grab some plants from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The selection includes over 40 different plant species to choose from that will be sure to bring the bees to the yard. The plant sale runs through Monday, April 19. Place orders through the museum store, with pick-up dates for your new friend on April 17 and 19. 

Additionally HMNS is hosting a Earth Day virtual trivia night on April 22 via Zoom starting at 6:30 p.m. You can also head to the museum itself for an Earth exhibit by Luke Jerram. His massive 23-foot sculpture of our planet hangs in the Glassell Hall. Learn more about additional Earth Day celebrations from HMNS here.

Houston Arboretum

Last year we were sheltering inside our homes, but this weekend go outside and celebrate Earth Day a little early with the Houston Arboretum. On Saturday, April 17, the arboretum will hold an all-day event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with informative booths, nature hikes, and displays in the Discovery Room, as well as take-home Earth-friendly activities to continue to commemorate our planet. The event is free for all ages.

Karbach Brewing Co. 

For a more adult celebration of Earth Day, why not have a drink? Just recycle your can afterwards. This month, Karbach Brewing Co. has launched its new Recycle, Dammit Truck, which can hold over $10,000 worth of recyclable cans. Additionally Karbach has teamed up with FrioGrill for its Texas Strong Concert series. The Recycle, Dammit Truck will be on site during Texas Strong’s Stoney LaRue and Aaron Watson concerts (April 17 and 23, respectively) to collect cans to recycle and later donate the fund to FeedingTexas. Oh, and don’t miss Karbach’s Earth Day-themed market on April 25.

Discovery Green

Keep the Earth Day celebration going for the whole weekend with Discovery Green on Sunday, April 18, from noon to 5 p.m. In addition to live paintings and live butterflies, the event will have a series of short films regarding Houston’s environment until 4 p.m. Following that is a discussion panel, titled “The Nexus of Energy, Climate, and Equity in Houston.” The event is presented by Green Mountain Energy along with the Citizens Environmental Coalition. 

Urban Harvest

Urban Harvest is hosting a whole week of Earth Day fun beginning April 17. On Saturday, Urban Harvest is hosting a Plant swap from 9 a.m. to noon; bring in a plant and exchange it for something else. At the same time, Urban Harvest is holding a Volunteer Dig It Day at Lantrip Elementary School for the folks who are diggers rather than planters. 

If you’d rather celebrate Earth Day at home, the farmers market is hosting several Zoom classes. Learn about landscaping and gardening from 9:30–11:30 a.m. on April 17. Then on Earth Day itself (April 22), tune in for a class on small-scale composting presented by Moonshot Compost. For $20, learn how to compost your kitchen scraps so you can fertilize your garden or backyard plants. 

Space Center Houston

No one does space like Houston, so get a big-picture look at our world during Space Center Houston’s four-day event in honor of Planet Earth. The celebration, April 22–25, will have activities like a Wildlife Refuge Tram Tour, pop-up science labs and talks, educational booths, guest speakers, an atmospheric balloon launch, and so much more. Tickets range from $24.95–29.95. 

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