Earth Day 2013

The first Earth Day went down on April 22, 1970–you can read more about its history on the Earth Day Network. Being that this annual event is just around the corner, we wanted to let you in on some of the happenings from around the country in case you haven’t mapped out your plans yet. Many cities, big and small, will be hosting festivals and events to commemorate this day that is dedicated to our planet. We have a few select details below, but be sure to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see what your hometown is doing to commemorate our planet.

The global theme for Earth Day 2013 is “The Face of Climate Change”. What do we see when we look into an environmental mirror? How much has the earth changed and do our current policies reflect the change?

• New York City: Green Festival will be taking place on April 20 and 21. Staged at the Javits Center, the festival offers inspiring keynote presentations, workshops, demonstrations, artistic installations and cool exhibitors. The authors, experts, celebrities and cultural icons who present offer lots of insight into the sustainable conscious. Great way to connect with others who are interested in the planet.  Although there is an entrance fee I would highly recommend attending. Other cities where the Green Festival are produced are Chicago, DC, San Francisco and LA. Also in New York that weekend, there will be green happenings at Grand Central Station and Union Square Park.
• San Francisco: Touted as the “Greenest City in North America”, San Francisco is hosting Earth Day San Francisco, a free, daylong event on April 20th from 10-6 at the Civic Center.

• Washington DC: An Earth Day rally will not be held on the National Mall in 2013 for the first time. Earth Day Network will sponsor Earth Month at Union Station, a full month of events in Washington DC. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will also sponsor its annual event on the Mall as listed below.

• Chicago: Friends of the Parks 24th Annual Earth Day Parks & Preserves Clean-up on is taking place on Saturday, April 20, 2013, 9 a.m. – Noon. Meanwhile the fourth annual Earth Fest in Oak Park, Illinois is the same day and fittingly takes place at the suburb’s Public Work Center, a gold LEED-certified building. The festival’s goal is to educate the public on how to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into everyday living. Last year’s events included tips on how to compost and recycle. Organic farmers and local restaurants will be on hand during the event to inform the public of their environmental practices. This is a family-friendly event, with children’s activities planned.

Our eco18 team will be celebrating at the Green Festival in NYC both days so if you will be at the show, say hello. You can spot us by our eco18 badges and of course how green we are. We would love to meet you there!