Thinking green should be an all-year event, but Earth Day gives Overland Park residents an opportunity to join together to do something extra for mother nature.

This year, Earth Day will be held on April 22, and although the city doesn't have any specific programs planned to celebrate the event, there are several ways you can show your love for the environment.

• Pick 5: The Environmental Protection Agency encourages people to pick 5 actions they can do to help protect the environment on Earth Day and throughout the year. Some of these options include planting a tree, using public transportation, buying food locally, or reducing pollution by preventing pesticides from entering area waterways.
• Volunteer: Find a local organization that seeks to protect the environment and spend the day volunteering.
• Speak up: Sharing ways to protect the environment with others can be a valuable way to spread the word and re-energize your own commitment to the earth.