Green Scene

From it’s humble beginnings in 1970, Earth Day has become an international event organized by the Earth Day Network. Over 190 counties participate, almost as many counties as ABA accredited law schools.  Just last year documents, photos and videos from the first Earth Week were released to the public.   The North Carolina archives has also made pictures available on Flikcr and they are worth looking at if merely to amuse yourself with the vintage the clothing and giant sideburns.  You can also view the initial Earth Day proclamation or read the 2012 proclamation.

The first  Earth Day in the U.S. was scheduled to fall on the Vernal Equinox (either March 20 or 21) and many counties still keep this date.  However,  due to a wish to maximize participation on college campuses it was determined that the “week of April 19–25 was the best bet as it did not fall during exams or spring breaks…, did not conflict with religious holidays, and was late enough in spring to have decent weather.”  The late April dates are also close to when many states celebrate Arbor Day, another earth conscious holiday.

Earth Day has grown into Earth Week and activities and celebrations go on both  before and after the official day. The 42nd Earth day was this Sunday, April 22nd, but you still have the opportunity to attend the Piedmont Earth Day Fair  at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds.  It doesn’t matter if you are a fully committed green activist or just someone who struggles to remember to toss plastic bottles and paper in separate bins, there will be something for you to enjoy.  Parking and admission is FREE and there will be  exhibitors, hands-on-demonstrations, and variety of live music.  In addition to a solo folk singer, there will be bands offering everything from including  Bluegrass and Soul to the intriguingly named,  “Appalachian Punk.”  In contract to what one may expect of “fair food” you will have the opportunity to try vegetarian and vegan offerings. However, carnivores should not worry, there be plenty for you too, as well as sugary sweets.  If you happen to own any outdated electronics there will be a place in the parking lot to drop them off.   Did you know that of  the over 30 million computers discarded last year, “only 15-20% were recycled, while the rest ended up in landfills posing the threat of becoming hazardous waste?”  Cannot part from your E-waste for free?  Even if it is broken, you can resell it on eBay.

Want to do more than go to the Fair?  Visit the EPA’s website to learn how to make every day Earth Day.  Or you could treat yourself and splurge on a “prize winning light bulb” that is supposed to last 20 years; the only problem is that it costs $60.  However, there may be some opportunities for large rebates so stay alert for offers that will let you been green while still having some green in your wallet.  zif you can get away for day or two, take advantage of National Park Week and the free access to all of the national parks.  If none of these options suit you, check out some ideas provided by the Earth Day Network , sing the Earth Day anthem, or try out some of these 16 ideas  (pictures included) from wikiHow.

Worth $60?