Celebrate Earth Day’s 42nd Anniversary on April 22, 2012!

Come and join this year’s Earth Day’s celebration as we all do our part in a growing environmental movement that first originated back in 1970.  During the 1970s Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) launched a movement for college students intending to raise awareness and appreciation for planet Earth.  Today Earth Day continues to generate change and awareness while helping to create a more sustainable existence.  Senator Nelson remained resolutely passionate about the environment until his passing in July of 2005.  During his career he was also an advocate of the people and directly responsible for side-effect disclosures on pharmaceutical drugs.  As an attorney, politician, and activist, Senator Nelson left us with a legacy of positive changes that continue to influence our lives each day.  

Are you thinking of supporting Earth Day this year or maybe taking part in some of the local activities?  For more information on how your can support the planet go to:  http://www.earthday.org/2012.  There are suggestions and ideas on how to unite our efforts for a more sustainable future.  If you are looking to find local events I’ve got some suggestions below:

Navy Pier – Chicago Green Festival  May 5 & 6
Navy Pier Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Navy Pier is offering a full range of activities which include guest speakers, (one of which who will be speaking on the dangers of GMOs, genetically modified organisms), kids activities, free yoga classes, environmental films, and an Eco fashion show!  For more information please go to:  http://www.greenfestivals.org/updates/gf-chi-programming-online-now.

Call for times and pricing.

The Morton Arboretum – Arbor Day Celebration  April 22 through April 29
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532

Come join in as the Morton Arboretum commemorates one of the oldest environmentalist celebrations.  Start with a 10K Arbor Day run on Sunday, April 22nd, take part in children’s events and activities or purchase some unique plants with over 350 varieties to choose from.  There is also a book signing and a trunk show featuring local jewelry designer, Jen Bristow.  For more information please visit:  http://www.mortonarb.org.


Naper Settlement—An Earth Day Celebration  April 21 & 22
523 S. Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540

Join in Naper Settlement hosts guided tours of their new rain gardens, watch demonstrations and learn how the settlement’s new interior roads were constructed ecologically using permeable pavers that will help improve the DuPage River watershed.  For more information go to:  http://www.napersettlement.org.

Cosley Zoo—Party for the Planet  April 28
1356 North Gary Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187

Cosley joins forces with more than 100 zoos and aquariums to celebrate Earth Day.  Learn about the different methods of conservation which include water, energy and wildlife as well as the affects conservation can have in your own home environment!  Enjoy a slice of Earth Day Cake and make it a family event!  For additional information go to:  http://www.cosleyzoo.org/specialevents.htm.

This is just a glimpse of the happenings around our area in celebration of Earth Day 2012.  But you don’t have to take part in any special event to join the sustainable living movement.  You can start right in your own home!  Re-cycling is a big way in which your entire household can help the environment.  Cans, plastic containers, glass, aluminum foil, and cardboard can all be disposed of in re-cycling buckets or bins usually provided by your waste or refuse company.  If your refuse company doesn’t offer re-cycling then find a local re-cycling center and drop off all recyclable items. 

You can also join forces with your neighbors before you plant trees, shrubs and flowers to maximize your watering efforts and to keep insect infestation low.  Check with local greenhouses for the best choices in your area.  Also, keep in mind that there are also healthy lawn alternatives when choosing fertilizers.  The rule of thumb is a healthy lawn doesn’t succumb to weeds and crabgrass.