Earth Day in Vancouver, WA: Why It Matters & How You Can Help (Without Preaching)

We Love the Outdoors… But Sometimes We’re Not Great at Taking Care of Them

If you’ve spent any time on a trail around Vancouver or anywhere in the PNW lately, you’ve probably seen it. The candy wrapper tucked behind a rock. The dog poop bag left like a sad little offering at the trailhead. Or the plastic cup rolling around the parking lot after a breezy picnic.

We’re a region that prides itself on our love of nature. We hike, we camp, we kayak—we brag about how green and gorgeous it is here. But if we’re being honest, we don’t always treat the land with the love it deserves.

With Earth Day landing on April 22nd, this is our yearly nudge. Not to feel guilty—but to feel empowered. To protect what we love. To clean up the places we explore. To leave the forest, the beach, or the park a little better than we found it.

This isn’t about shaming or soapboxing. It’s about showing up. Earth Day is your invitation to make a difference—and I promise, it’s easier than you think.

What Is Earth Day, Anyway?

Earth Day kicked off back in 1970, when millions of Americans gathered to protest pollution and push for environmental reform. It’s now a global movement celebrated by over a billion people in more than 190 countries—and the message is still the same: we’ve only got one planet, so let’s take care of it.

In Vancouver and the greater PNW, Earth Day hits differently. We’re surrounded by towering evergreens, wild rivers, and coastal trails. It’s easy to forget that this beauty needs protecting—until we see the effects of overuse and neglect up close.

Earth Day isn’t just about planting a tree or sorting your recycling (though both are great). It’s about tuning in. Paying attention. Asking: how can I help this place thrive?

Spoiler: You don’t have to go full zero-waste warrior or become an environmental expert. You just have to care enough to act.

The PNW Problem We Don’t Like to Talk About

We have a bit of a paradox here in the Pacific Northwest: we love the outdoors, but we’re not always great at taking care of them. It’s not that we don’t care—it’s just that sometimes we forget that our individual habits add up in a big way.

The truth? Some of the most beautiful spots in and around Vancouver have a trash problem. It’s the fast-food bag tossed out of a car window on a country road. It’s the beer cans left behind at a Columbia River overlook. It’s the soggy cardboard box that didn’t quite make it to the recycling bin on garbage day.

And yeah, I know it’s not everyone. But even a few careless folks can make a big impact on shared spaces. The sad part is that once one person leaves trash, others are more likely to follow. Pretty soon that clean trail starts looking a little neglected—and that “escape into nature” starts feeling more like “walking through someone’s leftovers.”

Here’s the thing: we’re better than this. And Earth Day is a great time to acknowledge that we’ve got room to grow, as a community and as individuals. It’s also the perfect moment to say, “Alright, I see it. I’m in. I’ll help.”

No shame. No lectures. Just a fresh chance to reconnect with the places we love—and clean up the mess we’ve ignored for too long.

Earth Day Events and Cleanups in Vancouver, Washington (2025 Edition)

Ready to roll up your sleeves and show some love to our local environment? Here are some Earth Day events happening around Vancouver, WA, where you can make a tangible impact:

🌿 Earth Day Service Event at Pacific Park

• Date & Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Location: Natural Demonstration Garden at Pacific Community Park, 1515 NE 164th Ave, Vancouver, WA

• Hosted by: WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners - Clark County Travel Guide

• Details: Join fellow community members in sprucing up the Natural Demonstration Garden. Activities include weeding and general garden clean-up. Tools and gloves will be provided. ​

🍃 Spring Cleanup at Ellsworth Springs West Natural Wildlife Area

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Location: 9313 SE 12th St, Vancouver, WA

• Hosted by: SOLVE Oregon - SOLVE

• Details: Help remove invasive ivy from trees to restore the ecosystem and support native plant and wildlife habitats. No experience necessary—tools, training, and snacks will be provided. All ages welcome with appropriate supervision. ​

🌱 Vancouver Mall Earth Day Celebration

• Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

• Location: Vancouver Mall

• Details: An eco-friendly educational event featuring interactive recycling games, wildflower seed planting, a ReUse & RePurpose craft bar, and a Little Free Library Book Drive. Educational resources on composting and recycling will also be available. ​Events.com

🧹 Ellsworth Springs West Cleanup

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Location: 9313 SE 12th St, Vancouver, WA

• Details: Help remove invasive ivy and restore the natural habitat at Ellsworth Springs West Natural Wildlife Area. All tools and guidance will be provided. ​Eventbrite

🌲 StreamTeam Earth Day Tree Planting

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025

• Location: Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA

• Hosted by: Clark Public Utilities' StreamTeam - Clark Public Utilities

• Details: Volunteers will plant trees to improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and support pollinators. Note: Registration is currently full, but you can contact them for more information. ​

🌳 Earth Day at Nestwood Forest

• Date & Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Meeting Point: Parking lot of the Portland Women's Forum on Highway 30 near Corbett

• Details: Participants will carpool to the work site to engage in habitat restoration activities. Please arrive on time to join the caravan. ​Columbia Land Trust

These events are fantastic opportunities to connect with the community and make a positive impact on our local environment. Whether you're pulling ivy, planting trees, or learning about sustainable practices, every effort counts.

7 Easy Ways to Be Kinder to the Earth Year-Round (No Extra Time Required)

Earth Day is a great reminder to do our part, but honestly, it doesn’t take much to make a positive impact every single day. Here are 7 simple ways you can show some love to the environment without adding too much extra to your plate:

1. Pack In, Pack Out

It might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people forget. If you bring something with you on your hike, picnic, or outing—take it with you when you leave. That plastic wrapper or leftover snack bag? Toss it in your pack until you find a proper trash can. Bonus: It keeps our parks and trails looking pristine.

2. Reuse Your Water Bottle and Coffee Cup

We all know plastic is a problem. Instead of grabbing single-use bottles or cups, invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. It's a small change that adds up over time. Plus, you get to carry your favorite mug, which makes everything feel a bit more personal!

3. Support Local Farmers and Sustainable Businesses

The closer your food comes from, the less impact it has on the planet. Look for local farmers’ markets, or better yet, join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. When you buy from sustainable, local businesses, you're reducing the carbon footprint and supporting your neighbors at the same time.

4. Walk or Bike for Short Trips

Next time you need to run a quick errand, consider walking or biking instead of driving. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but it also keeps you healthier. Plus, you’ll notice things you wouldn’t have from the car, like cool street art or the perfect place to grab a coffee.

5. Educate Your Friends and Family

You don't have to be an environmental expert to teach your kids or friends a few easy tips for living more sustainably. Simple changes, like reducing food waste, cutting back on plastic, and conserving energy, can be passed on without sounding like a lecture. You’d be surprised how easily it catches on.

6. Say No to Plastic Utensils & Take-Out Containers

Next time you grab a quick bite, try saying no to disposable plastic utensils or take-out containers. Bring your own container or ask if they can serve you your meal in something reusable. It’s a small request that helps reduce a ton of waste.

7. Take 5 Minutes to Pick Up Trash Wherever You Go

Even if you’re not out for an official cleanup, it’s easy to carry a small trash bag and pick up a few pieces of litter while you’re on a walk. No need to wait for an organized event—if you see it, pick it up. You'll feel good, and the Earth will thank you.

Why It Matters as a Homeowner (Taking Care of Your Piece of the Planet)

As homeowners, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to the planet’s health—and it starts right in our own backyards. Whether you’ve got a small garden or acres of land, there are simple steps we can take to make sure we’re not only maintaining our homes but also caring for the Earth.

1. Go Native with Your Landscaping

Native plants are the ultimate eco-friendly landscaping choice. They’re adapted to our local climate, require less water, and support local wildlife. By swapping out thirsty, non-native plants with native options, you reduce water consumption, save on maintenance, and create a haven for bees, birds, and butterflies.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can make their way into local waterways, harming fish and wildlife. Opt for environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products or make your own with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Your home will stay sparkling, and the Earth will thank you.

3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can save you money in the long run and reduce your home’s environmental impact. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances and consider installing smart thermostats to reduce heating and cooling costs. The bonus? You’ll have a more comfortable home while using less energy.

4. Compost Your Yard Waste

Instead of sending your grass clippings, leaves, and food scraps to the landfill, compost them. Composting not only reduces waste but also provides you with rich, nutrient-dense soil to fertilize your garden. It’s a win-win for your plants—and the planet!

5. Water Conservation Starts at Home

Even small changes in your water usage can make a big difference. Consider installing low-flow showerheads, fixing leaks, and using water-saving appliances. When you conserve water, you’re not only lowering your utility bills, but you’re also helping to preserve our precious water resources for future generations.

By taking small steps as homeowners, we can make a significant impact on the health of our local environment. The choices we make in our homes ripple out into our community—and Earth Day is the perfect reminder that our actions matter, no matter how small they seem.

Let's Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day

Earth Day on April 22nd is more than just a day of celebration—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in preserving the beauty and health of the planet we call home. Whether it’s picking up trash on your favorite trail, planting trees to improve water quality, or simply switching to more sustainable habits at home, every effort counts.

By getting involved in local cleanups, making small eco-friendly changes, and caring for our homes and outdoor spaces, we can create lasting change—not just for Earth Day, but for every day that follows. So, let’s get out there and do our part to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same beauty that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.

Celebrate Earth Day, and then keep that spirit alive all year long. The Earth will thank you—and we’ll all be better for it.