Earth Day is April 22. The national day when people spread awareness about protecting the planet.

Typically, Earth Day is when people do things like pick up litter or planting a tree. Over the last 53 years, the holiday has gathered over one billion followers who participate in events all over the globe. According to Wikipedia, followers of Earth Day come from over 193 countries.

There are some events happening in Las Vegas for Earth Day.

Findlay VW is doing a community clean up from 9 to 11am starting in the parking lot of Sam & Ash Law. 1108 South Casino Center Boulevard. Hosted by Findlay Volkswagen in Henderson, they expect about 100 volunteers to help clean up the community. Cleaning supplies and snacks will be provided. You can register for the event here.

UNLV is hosting their first annual Global Paint and Recycling Rebels day. In the parking lot of the Thomas & Mack Center, the event will be from 9am to noon. Hosted by the Global Paint for Charity and UNLV’s Recycling Rebels. The community is invited to bring old paint to recycle, along with electronics like computers and cell phones. Traditional recycling products like plastic, aluminum and glass will also be accepted. More details, including a list of what is being accepted, can be found here.

There are additional clean-up events happening on other days in Clark County. Get information on those events here.

There are other ways to honor Earth Day in Las Vegas.

If you’re not able to attend a clean up event but still want to celebrate Earth Day, there are lots of ways. You can conserve water by taking a shorter shower, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, or making sure the dishwasher is full. Buy a pot of flowers that attract pollinating bees. Or take a walk around your neighborhood and pickup trash. Just a few examples. You can get these and more ideas at almanac.com.

Of course something else we can do for Earth Day is something we should be doing everyday. Recycling. But how does Nevada compare to the rest of the country in our recycling habits? This might surprise, or even disappoint, you. Here are the top states for recycling, depending on various factors, and where Nevada ranks.– Wendy Rush

#1 - Maine

74% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 225
#2 - Vermont

62% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 204.3
#3 Connecticut

63% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 198.6
#4 - Oregon

66% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 194.9
#5 - California

54% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 194.6. Soooo close to Oregon, and not just geographically!
#6 - Massachusetts

52% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 190.8
#7 - Iowa

62% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 190.5
#8 - Delaware

59% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 188.2
#9 - New Jersey

62% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 170.5
#10 - New York

58% Recycling Rate; Total Index Score: 162.3
And where does Nevada rank?
#23 - Nevada

Well, it could be worse. We’re not the best, but we’re far from the worst (which is Alaska, by the way). Nevada’s recycling rate is 39%. Total Index Score: 102.2.