Girlfriends, are you making green plans for this week? Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day are both coming up (Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, here in Illinois. Other states may observe it at other times, depending on the best time to plant trees. Find the date for your state here.) To help you celebrate these very worthy occasions, GirlfriendCelebrations.com is here with our top five ways to get green with a girlfriend. We hope you’ll try at least one! (Photo via flickr.)

1. Plant something. Whether it’s a potted plant for a shut-in, annuals to brighten a neighbor’s walkway, or a tree in your yard, this is a green activity that benefits everyone. Don’t have a green thumb? Invite your gardener girlfriends to give you some tips. Working with the soil is therapeutic, living with plants is healthy, and the beauty they provide is uplifting. Another suggestion: Use your crafting skills to make a discarded container into a “new again” planter. 

2. Carpool. Just give it a try. Coordinate your work friends and share a ride to work this week. It’s girlfriendly and green. After all, you get to chat on the way. If you’re going to girls night out, try to do it in as few cars as possible. Or, consider the adventure of taking public transportation together!

3. Volunteer with an organization that plants trees. Find a listing here. Volunteering is a great way to explore common interests with a girlfriend and deepen your friendship.

4. Share the locally grown love. Sign up together for a share in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Split a box of locally grown vegetables each week and you’ll both be eating healthier and helping the environment. Find your local CSA here. 

5. Put on your walking shoes. ”Walking with a friend anywhere is a great activity,” say our friends at ways2gogreen.com. ”If you have a park nearby, you could buy local food and have an eco-picnic.” Check out their website for more ways to go green! We totally agree with this suggestion. Not only is walking great exercise, but it saves on auto emissions. Is there an errand you and your girlfriend could walk to together? How about to the hardware store to get some energy-efficient lightbulbs?

You can also plan a “Green Girlfriends Party” with our complete party plan here. Check it out for some great activities, crafts, menu suggestions and more. 

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day? Is it something that can be shared with a girlfriend? Brainstorm in the comments!