Starving polar bears, fatal hurricanes, droughts: the news about climate change is rarely uplifting. Even the most dedicated crusader runs the risk of fatigue when faced with the task of trying to do right by our planet. After all, SUVs line our streets, the number of coal-fired plants grows across China, and airlines hoist countless planeloads of people to resorts every winter. So if you need some green-themed inspiration, Earth Day celebrations in the coming days offer plenty of ways to recharge your batteries and get you as revved up as a hybrid straight off the assembly line.

BEAR CREEK PARK (Saturday [April 19], 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Looking to inspire the kiddies in your life to show Mother Nature some respect? Surrey’s 10th annual Earth Day celebration features face painting, storytelling, along with performances by the Pat Chessell Band and the Ta Daa Lady. Visitors can also help release Chum salmon fry into Bear Creek, plant native trees, and take home a free tree seedling. For the adults there will be an automotive and household battery drop-off and a plant sale. Info: www.surrey.ca/.

GLENEAGLES COMMUNITY CENTRE (Sunday, [April 20], 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) The District of West Vancouver celebrates this year’s Earth Day with the theme “Keep It Simply Sustainable”. Local economist and engineer Jim Stephenson will give his “Kiss for the Planet” presentation on sustainable daily activities. There will also be an environmental trade fair, a salmon barbecue, and activities for children. There will also be an electronics drop-off program, and an opportunity to collect new gadgets with prizes from Panasonic. Info: www.westvancouver.ca/ or 604-921-2100.

EARTH DAY VANCOUVER (April 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Jericho Park) Evergreen’s Earth Day festival in Jericho Park promises to be even bigger than last year’s, when 3,000 people left footprints—minus the carbon—in the park. Entertainment courtesy of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival will keep the Earth Day Stage hopping all afternoon long, with performances by funk-heavy DJ Timothy Wisdom, the “fancy dancing” Wild Moccasin Dancers, the folk trio Dyad, marimba players Kunaka, and the Gypsy-infused band Tabura Rasa.

Those wanting to make themselves useful can join the Jericho Stewardship Group’s restoration activities, or work up a sweat at the Pedal-Powered Puppet Stage, where stationary bikes will power the sound. Organizers suggest bringing a zero-waste picnic and garden gloves, and if you bring a reusable mug, Starbucks will fill it up for free. Info: www.evergreen.ca/.

EVERETT CROWLEY PARK (April 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The 8th annual Earth Day Event at Everett Crowley Park, formerly the city’s landfill site, is still going strong, despite competition from Evergreen’s festivities. Help clear invasive species and take part in guided tours of the Southeast Vancouver park while enjoying free, kid-friendly live entertainment. Details are still forthcoming, so check the Web site (www.vcn.bc.ca/ecpc/) regularly for a full lineup of the day’s events.