"Invest in our planet."

This year's theme for Earth Day comes at a time when advocates say the planet is enduring a climate crisis, adding that actions taken today will determine what the future holds. 

Several communities throughout the region are holding events next month, providing opportunities for everyone to be a more responsible caretaker of the planet.

From a town-wide cleanup and a tour of a solar-powered home, to an Earth Day festival to decluttering and recycling events, there are many ways to take action to protect and clean up the environment this Earth Day, which is April 22 this year. Here are just a few of the events we found:

Southborough's 30th Annual Earth Day Town Clean Up: April 23

The Rotary Club of Southborough is sponsoring an Earth Day clean-up event for people to participate in cleaning local streets and public spaces. 

Volunteers will be given T-shirts, pizza and plants in exchange for their efforts in making Southborough cleaner and greener. 

Individuals, organizations and companies are invited to participate. Donations can be sent to PO Box 391, Southborough, MA 01772, or call Carl Guyer, a member, at 774-249-3555.

As for the event, volunteers can reserve which part of town they want to clean by calling Southborough's Department of Public Works at 508-485-1210, or by visiting its office next to the Transfer Station.

Volunteers can also come to the DPW building from 8-11 a.m. on the day of the clean-up to pick a location. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5cwd753y for more information.

Framingham Earth Day Festival: April 23

This year's festival in the city is focused on local groups, organizations and businesses whose primary mission is environmental sustainability. The festival aims to get everyone inspired to take action — big or small — and live consciously on Earth. 

One can learn more about initiatives being taken by the city, local nonprofits, grassroots groups and eco-minded businesses in order to help make the community cleaner, and explore opportunities to become more eco-friendly.

There will also be a recycling station where visitors can drop off such items as batteries, light bulbs, cellphones, CDs and more. Visit http://www.framinghamearthday.org/

Off-the-Grid in Natick: April 30 

As a part of the Solarize Natick initiative, from noon to 2 p.m. residents can tour a house at 8B Allen St. that is installed with solar panels, whole-house batteries and data dashboards for energy production and usage.

Guided tours and interactive data demonstrations will be available. Visitors can also gain knowledge about composting, smart home innovations, and other ideas to make their living spaces more sustainable. Visit https://www.econatick.org/events/347

Recyclepalooza in Natick: April 30

Natick High School is organizing "Recyclepalooza" — a spot where one can de-clutter their homes and responsibly recycle, restore, reuse or resale old or unused items. 

Have an old TV, computer or humidifier in the basement? Three old bicycles in the garage? An armchair in good condition that doesn't fit anymore? Or even crates of old paper that need to be shredded? Bring it to Natick High School's parking lot. Visit https://www.econatick.org/events/373

Project Clean Sweep in Marlborough: April 30

Marlborough is organizing Project Clean Sweep 2022, an effort to beautify the community. All are encouraged to attend and choose a specific area to help clean. 

Volunteers are requested to bring gloves to pick up litter. Trash bags will be provided.

Prospective participants can sign up by contacting the Department of Public Works at dpw-dispatch@marlborough-ma.gov, or by calling (508) 624-6910, Ext. 33300. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3jw5jrr5 for more information.

Front Porch Art Build: Stop the Climate Crisis!: May 1

350 Mass MetroWest, a statewide network building a mass movement for climate change, is hosting an artistic rendezvous in Natick for people to help local climate-change activists create new signposts and banners for their ongoing standouts.  

The event takes place from 2-5 p.m. at 4 Townsend Circle, Natick. Participants are urged not to park on Speen Street. 

All people are welcome to join, whether artists or not. All materials such paints, pencils, colors, and more, will be provided. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jw5jrr5 .