Pick herbs and plant trees: 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day in Prague this weekend

Earth Day is traditionally celebrated around the world on April 22. It has become one of the most widely celebrated environmental events across the globe. On this day, events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment.

In the last couple of years, the pandemic halted celebrations of many large-scale events and smaller gatherings. As life returns to normal in Czechia, volunteers and environmental groups have organized a number of activities for people of all ages.

The first-ever Earth Day was held in 1970 in America and 20 million people took to the streets to protest against big environmental issues that were being ignored including oil spills, polluted rivers, and air pollution.

Those who took part in the protests wanted the protection of the planet to be taken more seriously.

The first Earth Day led to a number of actions including the passing of new environmental laws in America and later, in lots of other countries. It's thought to have inspired the modern environmental movement we have today.

We've rounded up a list of activities suitable for people of all ages to commemorate Earth Day and demonstrate support for environmental protection.

What's a better way to pay tribute to Earth than reduce waste and plastic pollution, beautify neighborhoods, and prevent harm to wildlife and humans? The following weekend you can take part in volunteer cleaning in various places throughout the Czech Republic. 

In Prague, you can join the cleaning efforts in Šárka and Hostivické ponds area. If you would like to have a nice Prague getaway and contribute to helping our planet, you could join volunteers nearby the river Bečva or in Zbečník.

Alternatively, you can organize a clean-up of an area of your choice. Every piece of collected garbage counts.

An activity-packed program organized by Malešice Ecocenter will have something for all generations. Over 40 participating organizations have prepared a range of activities throughout the day, from 11 am to 5 pm. 

The program includes family workshops on zero waste, lectures on turtles and mushrooms, screenings on environmental protection in different parts of the world, musical performances, nature walks, and much more. A detailed plan of the program and activities can be found on the ecocenter's website.

Toulcův dvůr is hosting an all-day Earth Day celebration that includes interactive stands and workshops as well as theatre performances and more. The urban farmstead will also open an exhibit of landscape drawings. See the full program here.

The Institute of Circular Economy has organized workshops for adults and children on the Hybernská Campus on April 22 that will feature activities such as learning how to sort recycling, 3D printing, and a toy swap.

Earth Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 23 at the Vltavanů 229 playground complex where pony rides, goat petting, theater, and art and educational workshops are scheduled to take place.

On April 23, Herb Day will be celebrated at the National Museum of Agriculture. Visitors can buy seedlings and herbs, herbal teas, and cosmetics. Activities and workshops for all ages are on the program throughout the day.

In Prague, Earth Day will also be celebrated later this spring on May 5 from 9:00 to 18:00 in Kampa Park, with a concert program starting at 16.30. This year's theme is insects in urban nature.

A photo competition dedicated to the theme will take place at the time of the celebration. Participants can still join the competition by submitting their work here. 

Earth Day is a great opportunity for both children and adults to connect with nature and animals. Experience the breathtaking flora, observe animals in naturalistic habitats, and spend a day learning about the endangered species and their protection. 

In Prague, you can visit the Prague Zoo, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, as well as the luscious botanical garden Fata Morgana in Trojská or the cozy botanical garden of Charles University hidden in the center of Prague. 

Zoological and Botanical Garden of the City of Pilsen has prepared an all-day special program for its visitors, taking place on April 23. The event will feature competitions, cognitive games, and skill-development activities. 

Czech environmental initiative Planting for the Future offers several ways for you to make this world a greener place. To get involved, you can organize a planting yourself, donate to the organization, go planting, offer land for planting, or even volunteer to take care after the planting.   

The initiative aims to plant 10 million trees to support the resilience of cities and promote healthy landscapes. More than 2 million trees are already growing thanks to the Planting for Future initiative.