Earth Day, which was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, has now reached more than 190 countries.
The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness about the environmental challenges faced around the world. The theme for 2017 is “Environmental and Climate Literacy.”
More than 100 billion people participate in Earth Day events every year, which makes it the largest civic observance in the world, according to Earth Day Network.
In an effort to join in on the festivities, many Ball State and Muncie organizations are hosting events.
Here’s a quick list of the events to make your Earth Day weekend is as fun and environmentally conscious as possible.
Ball State
Puppies for the Planet: 1-5 p.m. today on University Green
Partnership for Student Sustainable Advancement will have community crafts and games about Earth Day while Pi Kappa Phi is hosting their annual philanthropy Puppy Experience.
Shoot For Good-Muncie: all day Saturday
Shoot For Good is a 24-hour documentary project using photography to celebrate community volunteerism and giving back. To participate, visit www.shootforgoodmuncie.com or post photos of volunteers on social media using the hashtag #SFGMuncie.
Earth Day: 1-3 p.m. Saturday in the Noyer/Park lawn
This event will encourage keeping our planet and homes clean.
Muncie
Earth Day Music Festival: 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Water Bowl, 6811 North Old State Road 3
This event costs $7 for the all-day music festival to celebrate Earth Day. Bands will be playing all day with the headliner, Losing September, playing at 11 p.m. There will also be beach volleyball and swimming. Guests are invited to bring their own beer.
Muncie Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Planting: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Heekin Park
Help plant new trees in Heekin Park. In addition, there will be activities and free trees to take home.
Muncie Earth Day Toxin Free Make and Take: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Hobby Lobby
For $20, participants will be able to make four different toxic-free cleaning items to help promote a healthier home and a safer Earth.
Edible Muncie Earth Day Meeting: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Kennedy Library
Join Edible Muncie as they work toward empowering all people to secure the food and services they require.
Earth Day at the Farm Stand: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Local farm producer Greg Gunthrop will be cooking ribs from his pasture-raised pork. The ribs will be served with sides and draft beer. Greg will also be grilling samples of Gunthorp chicken wings.
Earth Day Freebies and Deals
Amazon
Amazon will offer 20 percent off more than 24,000 products on Earth Day.
American Eagle
Enjoy a 60 percent Earth Day clearance sale.
Apple Gift Card
Earn an Apple gift card when you recycle your Apple watch, laptop, iPhone or iPad.
Best Buy
Earth Day sale with up to 30 percent off of major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washer and dryers.
Dicks Sporting Goods
In honor of Earth Day, Dicks is slashing the prices on bike sales and accessories up to 50 percent.
HydroMassage at Planet Fitness
This is actually a perk because it’s the end of tax season, but the perk ends on Saturday. So, you could spend your Earth Day getting a free massage.
National Parks Services
All national parks will be open to the public for free on Saturday and Sunday in celebration of Earth Day.
Target
Coupon for $5 to $20 off lawn and garden purchase when you text GARDEN to 827438.
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