With those events and more, it’s easy to pay homage on Wednesday to the planet. Here are details of a few ways you can spend Earth Day making a difference for the environment:

▪ Sustain Charlotte’s 2015 Awards + Earth Day Celebration: The group is hosting its fourth celebration of sustainability leadership recognizing people and groups that have contributed significantly to the Earth’s preservation. Awards will be presented to three organizations in eight categories: land use, sustainable economy, energy, food, waste reduction, social equity, transportation and water. Three people will also be recognized.