So, have any plans for Earth Day 2011?

 

Here in the D.C. metro area, Earth Day celebrations kicked off last weekend with events on the National Mall and all around the city. But the fun stuff didn't stop there! There is still plenty going on around town, so throw on your dancing shoes (or sneakers — whatever strikes your fancy) and take advantage of the local goings-on this Earth Day.

 

This is the easiest, best way to give back to Mother Earth. If you don't already have a project lined up, the Environmental Protection Agency is here to lend a hand. Check out the organization's Earth Day website to locate volunteer events near you.

 

You're not alone. Several folks in the D.C./Virginia/Maryland area have pledged to go veg for the week! After all, April 18-24 is VegWeek in D.C. If you want more details on events and helpful hints to stay on track, check out the VegWeek page. There are plenty of resources there to help get you through your week. There are also some parties on the books, so take at look and head out to celebrate your week!

 

There are still some upcoming events to enjoy with your family. The National Zoo is hosting an Earth Day Party on April 22, complete with recycling opportunities and craft-making events. Check out the zoo's Earth Day Party website to get times and details.

 

There is also an Earth Day Open House (pdf) at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. The gardens will feature demonstrations and opportunities to meet with representatives from environmental groups in the area. Festivities beging at 10 a.m. on April 22.

 

The Maryland Science Center is also getting in on the Earth Day fun, complete with recycling races and craft events. Earth Day festivities are free with a paid admission to the center. Further details are located here.

 

Counties and cities have decided to join in the fun with their own local events. The city of Alexandria's Earth Day celebration is April 30. Events will be held in Ben Brenman Park and are free to the public. Festivities will include a Trashion Fashion show, which is a display of fashion items made from reclaimed materials. Festivities start at 10 a.m., but the Earth Day Tree Sale runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Parking is free.

 

Bethesda also has a variety of Earth Day events scheduled through April 24. Take a look and see if something strikes your fancy. There's something for everyone.

 

Antonia Juhasz, an oil industry expert, and author of "The Tyranny of Oil" will be in town on April 22 at Busboys and Poets.  She'll be reading from her new book, "Black Tide: The Devastating Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill," and signing copies of it afterwards. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the 14th and V. streets location

 

Not to worry. D.C.'s local restaurant scene is ready to celebrate Earth Day with yummy deals and treats. Local eateries with Earth Day-inspired deals or specials include: BRABO, Urbana, Jackson 20, Bread & Brew and Sprinkles, to name a few. (If heading to Bread & Brew, be sure to check out the honey whiskey — if honey isn't on your no-no list, that is. Ask the barkeep to hook you up.)

 

Speaking of deliciously enjoyable alcholic beverages, The Butcher's Block in Old Town Alexandria will be hosting a complimentary tasting of organic and biodynamic wines. Free wine: need more be said?

 

If wine isn't your thing, there's always coffee. Or tea! Which is why Starbucks is offering a special Earth Day Deal. If you bring your reusable mug or tumbler to Starbucks on April 22, you'll get a free brewed coffee or tea. Yes, a cup o' joe on the house. If you don't have a mug/tumbler, they'll be on sale for a discounted price (which you can use anytime for $0.10 discount on your beverage purchases any other day of the year). If you aren't in the mood to buy one, no worries. Just ask for your free beverage in a "for-here" cup, and it's still on the house.

 

And of course, we can't forget dessert! If you're in the Del Ray area in Northern Virginia, stop on by the Dairy Godmother, a local custard shop that serves up delicious concoctions every day of the week except Tuesdays. The flavors are fresh and ever-changing. The flavor forecast for Earth Day is White Chocolate Raspberry. But, in celebration of Earth Day Alexandria on April 30, the flavor will be Crunchy Granola. Natch!