Yay! Today is Earth Day! I went to my first Earth Day celebration at Venice Beach in L.A. around 10 years ago. It was a small, little known event...about the size of a small half acre park. Today, issues of environmental sustainability have caught on...not just as a marginalized political movement, but as a consumer lifestyle. Earth Day is no longer for the "hippie" types but your average everyday person. Department stores and local super markets alike promote reusable shopping bags; organic food and clothing have become accessible choices; and fair trade/non-sweat shop made products are finding their place in the consumer market. We are the Green Generation.
There are a few ways that Hawaii is taking part in today's Earth Day event:
Oahu:
The University of Hawaii, Manoa hosts an annual Sustainability Fest celebration in honor of Earth Day. Thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests will be on the UHM’s campus from 11AM to 10PM on April 22nd to enjoy an open air market place followed by a free outdoor concert. Participants enjoy delicious food and multi-cultural performances as they browse 100 booths with socially and environmentally conscious artists, musicians, businesses, and organizations. Guests participate in booth activities to receive stamps on a score card which they submit for great prize drawings including bicycles, surf boards and a solar powered back pack. The day concludes in the beautiful Andrew’s Amphitheatre with a free outdoor concert featuring local favorites such as John Cruz and Pressure Drop. http://sustainablesaunders.hawaii.edu/
Kauai Community College is hosting a collective Earth Day 2009 event and invites all to attend from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The goal is to hold a student centered, community involved event on campus to promote sustainable action.
Big Island:
World Botanical Gardens in East Hawaii (Hilo and the Hamakua Coast) are gathering each day at the Gardens for free Garden Director Tours and reduced pricing for those that mention Earth Day as the reason for their visit. http://www.wbgi.com
Volcanoes National Park hosts two programsin the Kipuka of the National Park: 1) Help restore the native forest and learn the history of kipuka along Mauna Loa Road - 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, April 22.
The public is invited to join park botanist Sierra McDaniel for a tour of the upland forest along Mauna Loa Road. There will also be an opportunity to lend a hand in on-going efforts to restore the native forest. Call McDaniel at 985-6097 and leave a message that includes a contact name and phone number.
2) Hike through a kipuka of rare and ancient plants in Kahuku Unit - 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. Limited to 20 people. Pre-registration for both programs is required. http://www.hawaii247.org/2009/04/19/earth-day-at-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/
OtherFeel free to post other events you know about from around the islands. {I'm sure other festivals and events will be hosted over the weekends. Check out the KCC Famers Market...at the very least I'd expect Earth Day to be recognized there.} Happy Earth Day!
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