Earth Day 2016: Conservation & environmental events across LA

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - Events -- many involving children -- will be held throughout the Southland today to mark Earth Day, a 46-year-old international event meant to create awareness of the need for conservation and environmental protections.

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, created by then-Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin in an attempt to put environmental protection on the national agenda. An estimated 20 million people participated in protests
and rallies on the first Earth Day.

At 8:15 this morning, Assemblywoman Patty Lopez, D-San Fernando, will join Active Recycling to offer free trash dumping in honor of Earth Day.

Residents can bring up to 500 pounds of trash or green waste to Active Recycling at 2000 W. Slauson Ave. in Los Angeles. Only liquids and hazardous materials will be rejected.

In Pasadena, High Point Academy will be honored by Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park, state Sen. Carol Liu and Councilman Gene Masuda at 8:30 this morning for its Organics Recovery and Composting Program.

Also this morning, a 275-ton crane will lower six modules into place on La Clede Avenue in Atwater Village to create three prefabricated sustainable homes.

At noon, unionized janitors who are part of the "Green Janitors" program will be joined by environmentalists, community leaders and allies to celebrate Earth Day with a news conference, calling for a switch to sustainable
cleaning practices.

Also at noon, Sea In The City -- a nonprofit collaboration between the Los Angeles Police Department, The Surfrider Foundation and artist Hilton Alves -- will unveil an ocean-themed mural at Ann Street Elementary on Bloom Street in Los Angeles during a school assembly. Los Angeles Councilman Gil Cedillo is among those expected to attend.

In Reseda, Garden Grove Elementary School on Valerio Street will celebrate Earth Day with a recycling-themed fashion show, featuring original clothing the students created using re-purposed material. Los Angeles Unified
School District board member Monica Ratliff and L.A. Councilman Bob Blumenfield are among those expected to attend.

At 7:30 tonight, Santa Monica Pier's Ferris wheel will go "green" with a variety of patterns and designs for Earth Day.

The light show will go until midnight.

Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles : Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.