Earth Day, on April 22, will serve again as a galvanizing force on ways to save our planet. With the theme of End Plastic Pollution, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is setting a specific focus this year on the importance of reducing the use of plastics and finding more Earth-friendly alternatives (EarthDay.org).

The nonprofit notes that of the approximately 300 million tons of plastic annually produced to make bags, bottles, packages and other commodities worldwide, only about 10 percent is successfully recycled and reused. The rest ends up in landfills or as litter, leaching dangerous chemicals into soil and water, endangering humans and wildlife alike.

EDN asks everyone to pledge to switch to sustainable alternatives, subscribe to its newsletter, spread the word via social media, educate and mobilize citizens to demand action, and donate to support the adoption of a global framework to regulate plastic pollution that will engage individuals, companies and governments worldwide.

Further, EDN is extending people’s ability to take personal responsibility by self-rating and guiding their involvement via practical toolkits. “People can create and follow a plan to reduce their plastic footprint and also share that data to help others via the Billion Acts of Green online campaign,” says Valeria Merino, vice president of Global Earth Day, adding that participants will be able to create an ongoing record and track their commitments. The initiative is also providing materials, tips on organizing cleanup events and social media tie-ins.

Help celebrate in New York and forward progress in sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2018 events.

Croton committees on: Sustainability, Trails, Bikes, Gardens, Energize Croton; Feed the Birds, Sawmill River Audubon, beekeeping, organic farming, Organic Kitchen, Cornell Cooperative Extension, energy conservation, music, environmental arts and crafts for kids and more. assallo Park, Old Post Road South. Info: Facebook: Croton Conservation Advisory Council (Earth Day 2018).

Volunteer projects include planting gardens, removing invasives, clearing our trails, and workshops on beekeeping and backyard composting. Free. GNC, 99 Dromore Rd, off Central Park Ave, Scarsdale. Info: greenburghnaturecenter.org; 914.723.3470

Participants will learn about plants, trees, insects, bees, butterflies, birds, and animals native to this area. Sing, dance, search for natural treasures, pray for the needs of Earth on a Labyrinth walk and share light refreshments prior to departure. $10 donation per family. Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center, 299 North Highland Ave, Ossining. Info: Mariandale.org.

Featuring James Eyring and his birds for a special Earth Day Program. Free. Muscoot Park, 51 Rt. 100, Katonah Info: 914.864.7286; muscootfarm.org

Learn how to live a more sustainable life, visit artisan vendors, and enjoy food and live music on the banks of the Hudson River. Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park Info: greenossining.org/earth-day-festival

Stony Kill Foundation and Common Ground Farm celebrate Earth Day with fun activities and visits with farm animals. Free admission for all ages. 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls Info: stonykill.org

Gedney Recycle Center 87 Gedney Way, White Plains, NY 10601 Info: CityofWhitePlains.com (Events)

In celebration of the 48th Earth Day, April 22, Greenburgh Nature Center, in Scarsdale, is inviting volunteers to “dig in and make a difference” by participating in projects and workshops where they’ll learn ways to care for the Earth. Opportunities to get their hands dirty while helping out the nature center will include planting gardens, turning compost, removing invasive plants, clearing trails and mulching footpaths. Participants can also attend free workshops on beekeeping and backyard composting and be environmental stewards in the center’s tree-planting ceremony. The event will last from noon to 4 p.m.

Greenburgh Nature Center is a nonprofit nature preserve and wildlife refuge with a mission to ignite passion, curiosity and respect for the natural world. It has provided environmental education since 1975. Its 33-acre property includes a woodland preserve with hiking trails, a pond, an organic garden, Nature’s Discovery Playground, a native plant meadow, a green roof exhibit and more than 100 rescued and rehabilitated animals.

The nature center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue. Parking is free, and accessible parking is available. Grounds are open from dawn to dusk daily. Indoor exhibits are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Indoor exhibits are closed Fridays.

For more information, visit GreenburghNatureCenter.org or call 914.723.3470.

Green Ossining’s 8th Annual Earth Day Festival will take place April 21, at Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park, from 10 a.m. to 5 pm.—two hours longer than in previous years. It is Westchester’s largest community-run Earth Day festival, with more than 4,000 people expected to attend, and new vendors added to 100-plus who participated last year. Visitors can also enjoy more hands-on activities and educational opportunities, along with the live music and entertainment that have made Green Ossining’s Earth Day festival such a popular event.

“This year, as we celebrate the 48th anniversary of Earth Day, we will focus our theme on sustainable communities, including such things as renewable energy solutions, local resilience and the importance of supporting our local economy as well as the organizations that will help toward that, using and wasting less, being more resourceful, and being a more conscious consumer, among other things,” says Suzie Ross, chairperson and founding member of Green Ossining.

The festival will include eco-friendly demonstrations and hands-on activities; a kids’ activity zone; local food, including vegetarian and vegan fare; and live music by local musicians and by stage hosts Mike & Miriam Risko and the Mike Risko Band. Local vendors of green products and services will be on hand, sharing tips and information about how to save the planet while saving money. Community organizations will also be there, so guests can learn about the variety of eco-advocacy groups in their own backyard.

For more info, visit GreenOssining.org/earth-day-festival.

Tarrytown will celebrate Earth Day 2018 on April 21, with a daylong series of activities and volunteer opportunities for all ages. The day begins at 8 a.m., with bird watching at the Tarrytown Lakes, led by ornithologist Carole Griffiths, and concludes with a candlelit dinner, from 8 to 9 p.m., at participating local restaurants.

Other activities will include a cleanup of Neperan Park and Sheldan and Lincoln Avenues; a hike and trail marking (volunteers will clear and blaze a forgotten trail); the planting of an “edible forest,” focusing on native edible trees and shrubs; a lesson and practice in metal detecting at Wilson Park (visit GreatTreasure.com to learn more); a meet-and-greet with County Executive George Latimer at Coffee Labs on Main Street, to discuss environmental issues in Westchester; and a BYO picnic in Pierson Park, with food vendors and free music by The Kennedys (KennedysMusic.com).

Several of the activities, such as the cleanups, tree planting and trail blazing, require sturdy and/or waterproof footwear and protective clothing such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Be sure to bring water for hydration.

Community groups, local businesses, environmental enthusiasts and activists are welcome to participate. For more information, including a schedule of events and the opportunity to sign up for specific activities, visit TarrytownEnvironmental.org.