With Earth Day right around the corner on April 22, it’s time to start thinking about ways we can all green our lives. For some, big changes — like installing rooftop solar panels, changing out appliances or other major green home improvements — are feasible. For others, a simple promise to take more public transportation would drastically reduce our carbon footprint. Take some time this April to think about all the ways our lives could be more earth friendly. ecoATM provides a safe, automated and Earth-friendly way to recycle used phones and other electronic devices to save the environment and save you money. In three steps, ecoATM can examine a device, search for the highest price in the worldwide market and give you cash. ecoATMs are located throughout San Diego, including locations at Ralph’s in La Jolla and University Towne Center. www.ecoatm.com (858) 999-3200 Shop at Westfield UTC during Earth Day week to check out the sustainable green initiatives in the shopping center’s recent $180 million renovation, including high efficiency plumbing fixtures, use of recycled water for landscape irrigation, “cool roof” technology to reduce the need for air conditioning, native and drought-tolerant plantings, energy-efficient building design, recycled building materials and recycling of everyday waste generated by the shopping center and its construction. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive www.westfield.com/utc (858) 546-8858 San Diego-based business Nika Water promotes its commitment to the environment year round with each sale of its water, found at Whole Foods Market and other natural food stores. The company commits 100 percent of its profits to bringing clean water and sanitation to underdeveloped companies. Additionally, Nika is partnering with San Diego’s annual Walk for Water campaign on April 28 by donating $1,000 and bottled water to all participants in the walk. www.nikawater.org (800) 545-5841 All Green Recycling, a full-service electronics recycling company, offers pick-ups for large or multiple electronic items and self-service drop-off locations throughout San Diego. Stop by La Jolla’s 4G Verizon Wireless drop-off location at 904 Pearl St. to recycle computers, phones, printers, monitors, televisions and other household electronics. Drop off is available every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.allgreenrecycling.com (800) 780-0347   San diego is the place to be if you’re into solar. Local companies like OneRoof Energy, Sullivan Solar Power and Envision Solar, among others, have been growing their client base — and their workforce — in recent years with more growth projected in the future. OneRoof, for example, quadrupled its staff last year, providing 100 jobs in San Diego. Increased interest in residential solar photovoltaic systems has skyrocketed, proving these businesses are in the right place. www.oneroofenergy.com (858) 458-0533   CleanTECH is on a mission to position the San Diego region as the global leader in the clean-tech economy. Even with more than 800 clean technology companies in San Diego and counting, the nonprofit member organization continues to forge partnerships to attract green jobs, green talent and green money to build the sustainable industry in San Diego and bring together a diverse group of stakeholders. Through education, outreach, policy advocacy and leadership opportunities, the La Jolla-based nonprofit stimulates innovation and advances the adoption of clean technologies and practices. www.cleantechsandiego.org (858) 568-7777 While major lifestyle changes are great, simpler acts — like eating locally sourced foods or supporting restaurants that go the extra mile to reduce their carbon footprint — are also good ways to celebrate Earth Day. Here are a few La Jolla restaurants gearing up to go green with eco-friendly menu options. After eight months in the making, La Jolla Aventine’s Café Japengo has finally debuted its new Pacific Rim menu, featuring organic and sustainable produce sourced right here in San Diego, including produce from Suzie’s Farms, chicken from Rosie’s Organic, goat cheese from Drake Family Farms, beef from Vintage Farms, bread from Sadie Rosie Bakery and mussels from Carlsbad Aquafarm. 8960 University Center Lane www.cafejapengo.com (858) 450-3355 Sprinkles Cupcakes in La Jolla will donate a portion of the proceeds from its vanilla Earth Day cupcakes to The Surfrider Foundation to help in the nonprofit’s efforts of protecting San Diego’s precious beaches and bays. During the week of April 22, patrons can indulge in a good cause by stopping in the store or ordering the Earth Day box online. 8855 Villa La Jolla Drive www.sprinkles.com (858) 457-3800 George’s California Modern’s executive chef Trey Foshee — an advocate of sustainable and locally sourced produce and ingredients — puts the high-quality, handpicked vegetables from Chino Farms at the forefront of many of his dishes, in plates like the “Exploration of the Garden” salad and hearty slow-roasted Chino Farms vegetable platter. 1250 Prospect St. www.georgesatthecove.com (858) 454-4244