Tomorrow, April 22nd, is the 40th annual celebration of Earth Day in Northern Virginia, South Carolina and many other places around the country.  Earth Day was originally conceived to bring attention to helping our planet grow and prosper for many years to come.  But, are you wondering how you and your family can celebrate Earth Day?  Here are a few ideas.

Find an Earth Day Festival Near You - Many cities across the country are holding special Earth Day festivities.  For example, I wrote last week about Aiken, SC celebrating Earth Day at Hopelands Gardens.  However, this will be going on next Friday, April 29th.  Fairfax County, VA will be holding a community clean up at the James Lee Community Center (2855-A Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA) tomorrow from 11am to 4pm.

Plan a Vacation at a Farm - If you really want to get back to nature, plan your next vacation at a farm.  There are seven farms throughout the Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC area that offer "farmstays", where you can experience what it's like to actually live on a farm, close to the land and nature.  This doesn't have to be just for Earth Day, however,  Plan your farmstay any time of year.

Clean Up Your Neighborhood - Gather your children, grandchildren and other family members and friends to help pick up trash in your Northern Virginia community.  Whether it's just your street, a local park or a community center, cleaning up your neighborhood encourages our younger generation to take more pride in their community and treat Mother Earth with the respect she so deserves.

Plant a Garden - It's the perfect weather now to plant your own garden.  You don't need a large space and it doesn't have to be enough to feed the entire neighborhood.  Start small, with a few heads of lettuce, some tomatoes and a patch of green beans.  You'll have the makings of a great salad in no time.  Check with your local garden center to find out more about creating your own garden at home.

These are just a few of the ways you and your family can celebrate Earth Day.  Don't just stop at Friday, though.  Celebrate Earth Day throughout the entire year.  You'll be very happy you did.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist