Go Green or Go Home!

Earth Day lands on a Wednesday this year, but around here, doing good rarely sticks to just one day. The calendar fills out quickly with ways to show up, clean up, and maybe even learn a thing or two along the way. The best part is how easy it is to jump in, whether you have a trunk full of recyclables or just an afternoon to spare.

It all kicks off April 22 at the Earth Day Recycling Event in the former Macy’s parking lot at Gwinnett Place Mall, where the line between errand and event blurs in a good way. From 9 AM to noon, residents can drop off everything from old electronics and paint to tires, clothing, and stacks of paper ready for shredding. It’s productive, yes, but it’s also surprisingly social. There’s a Touch-A-Truck and face painting setup for the kids, chances to meet the crews who handle waste and recycling, and a steady flow of neighbors doing the same small but meaningful reset.

A Weekend That Keeps It Rolling

By Saturday, the energy shifts from drop-off to hangout. Earth Day on the Green in Peachtree Corners runs from noon to 5 PM and leans into that easygoing, come-and-go rhythm. There’s a plant swap and sale hosted by Georgia Plant Trade and Sales, which means you can show up with something to share or leave with something new. Either way, it’s a good excuse to rethink what’s growing in your yard or on your patio.

The rest of the event rounds things out with eco-friendly vendors, hands-on activities, and more opportunities to recycle responsibly. It feels less like a checklist and more like a casual afternoon that happens to do some good.

• Drop off hard-to-recycle items without overthinking the logistics 
• Let kids climb around Touch-A-Truck while you check things off your list 
• Swap plants or pick up something new for your space 
• Browse booths that make sustainability feel approachable, not overwhelming 

What ties these events together is how low-pressure they are. You don’t need to commit to a full day or arrive with a plan. You just show up, take part, and leave knowing you did something that counts.

And if April gets away from you, there’s still plenty of runway. Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful keeps the momentum going year-round with programs and volunteer opportunities that make it easy to stay involved without making it complicated.

Keep the community energy going and stay plugged in here: https://www.guidetogwinnett.com/community-organizations.