First celebrated in the United States in 1970 as a day to promote peace and environmental reform, Earth Day is now celebrated in 192 countries around the world. For many people this Earth Day, April 22nd, will be just another day of the week. You may notice a few green tweets, or the Google homepage graphic, but beyond that you will continue on with your normal routine. Would you like to participate this year? If you’re local to the greater Boston area you’ve got plenty of options whether you’re looking for family fun, personal enjoyment, or working for the good of Mother Earth. Here are my three favorite ideas!
For the Family – Head to the Zoo
Growing up in Philadelphia, home to America’s first zoo, I’ve always loved visiting the animals. There are multiple opportunities for environmental education and participation at the zoo this Earth Day. Take a mini road trip to Providence and visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo during the week of April 21st and enjoy entertainment, dancing, planting, and a number of environmentally-friendly vendors. Check out a day-by-day event schedule here. If you don’t want to make the trek to Providence, on April 27th the Franklin Park Zoo is hosting a Party for the Planet. Learn about the planet and keeping it cool for its creatures with scavenger hunts, entertainment, animal enrichment activities and a chance to talk to zookeepers.
For You – Green Eateries
Boston has a number of Certified Green Restaurants. This means they are dedicated to recycling, using biodegradable materials (i.e. no Styrofoam), and making progress each year towards sustainable practices. Taranta in the North End has two green stars, and The Fireplace in Brookline has three. Not all environmentally friendly restaurants have the certification. If you’re looking for a laid back, earthly-crunchy meal I recommend Life Alive. With a commitment to local and organic food, their three restaurants in the Boston area focus on sustainability at every stage of the food service process – from purchasing, to preparing and packaging.
For the Earth – Spring Cleaning
All Earth Day events benefit the environment in some way – whether through education or eco-friendly resources. However, for those who want to make a direct impact I invite you to participate in the 15th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup. From 9:00am to 12:00pm on April 26th volunteers from all over the Boston area will join together to pick-up trash and work to beautify the Charles River and its parks at 100 sites along the river. Sign up here to see where volunteers are still needed.
Have any Earth Day ideas of your own? Share them with us!
For more information about Earth Day or ways to give check out these resources:
