Looking for ways to celebrate this 40th year of Earth Day? Check out the calendar of events on RethinkRecycling.com, your one-stop resource for Earth Day events in the Twin Cities metro area. April is full of community activities, including tree-planting events, carnivals, electronic collection events, and more. Discover ways to reduce your impact on the environment while having fun!

You could take the family to one of many family-friendly celebrations that feature games, earth-friendly art projects and learning opportunities for the kids and adults. Or, simply spend some time at a local park or trail. There are many groups gathering to clean our community parks and along lakes and rivers, or create your own Earth Day activities by cleaning up your yard, helping a neighbor, or picking up trash anywhere in your community.

Gather the girls together for a Green Girls' Day Out and go shopping for local and green products at a community market or locally-owned shops. You could catch a green fashion show or end the day with dinner at a local, organic restaurant.

Nearby zoos, conservatories and arboretums will also be celebrating Earth Day; you could bring the family and appreciate the beautiful gardens and animals. And for the intellectual, some local organizations are hosting community seminars, forums and discussions.

For details on specific Earth Day events and for year-round earth-friendly and recycling activities, visit the Calendar of Events at RethinkRecycling.com. There are many events occurring the weekends before and after Earth Day and of course on Earth Day: Thursday, April 22nd; you're sure to find an event or activity perfect for you and your family to enjoy.

If you have other ideas, we'd love to hear them!  Comment below with any events you'll be attending or if you have other ideas that family and friends can do together.

Happy 40th Earth Day!