Spring is here and with that is Earth Week.
My Question to you is:
What the world would be like if every day was Earth Day?
Here are some of the events and volunteering occasions taking place around Philadelphia:
April 16th @ 8: 30 am – 5k run for Clean Air organized by the Clean Air Council.
Starting Location: Martin Luther King Drive
Web Link: http://5krunforcleanair.org/info.html
- April 17th 9 am to 5 pm – Uhuru Flea Market and Street Fair
Location: Clark Park – 43rd and Chester Ave/Woodland Ave in West Philadelphia
A benefit for the Uhuru Movement’s programs for economic and social justice for the African community
Featuring Speakers on Social Justice & Sustainability Through Liberation for African & Oppressed Peoples Worldwide
Web Link: http://uhurufleamarket.blogspot.com/
- April 18th @6:30 pm – “Transition Philadelphia Forum – Bicycles!”
Location: South Philadelphia Older Adult Center 1430 East Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA
Yes, Philadelphia has its own Transition Town Group.
Come meet with us to learn about bicycling in Philadelphia. We will feature short films about local bicycle organizations, a discussion about the advantages and limitations of bicycles and how they fit into the transition model and a bike repair skillshare. Come at 6:30 for a putluck!
Web Link: http://www.meetup.com/Transition-Philadelphia/events/17272640/
- April 19th @6:30 pm – “Here on Earth: A Conversation with Tim Flannery”
Location: Academy of Natural Sciences – 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103
Award-winning Author and environmental activist Tim Flannery charts the history of life on our planet, and how our species has had disastrous effects on many of the earth’s ecosystem. Explore our true relationship with the planet on which our biological, economic, and cultural futures depend. ‘Here on Earth’ is not just a dazzling account of life on our planet; it will change the way you live.
Reservation Required: http://flanneryhereonearth.eventbrite.com/
- April 19th @7:00 pm – “A Look at the Future of Food“
Location: La Salle University Dan Rodden Theater 1900 West Olney Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19144
In 40 years, one of every four people on Earth will starve unless food production more than doubles. Join Dr. Dominic Sisti of the Penn Center for Bioethics and Dr. Nina Fedoroff, acclaimed life scientist and Science and Technology Advisor to the US State Department, for an interactive discussion about agriculture, technology, and the future of the food we put on our dinner tables.
Reservations Required: http://psfgmolasalle.eventbrite.com/
- April 20th @6:30 pm – “What Can Fuel Cells Do For You?“
Location: Dark Horse Pub – 421 S. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19147
Rising oil prices, shorter supplies, and current tensions in the Middle East have the world once again looking at the future of energy. Join this discussion about fuel cells and why this technology may be crucial to helping us rid our dependency on fossil fuels
Web Link: http://www.philasciencefestival.org/events/2011/04/what-can-fuel-cells-do-you
- April 21st starting @12 pm – “The Science of Being Green – From the 18th Century to the Future“
Location: Independence Mall 1 North Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA 19106
Join a lively discussion between EPA’s Science Advisor and “Father of Green Chemistry” Dr. Paul Anastas and Benjamin Franklin (played by Ralph Archbold) as they discuss the importance of innovation and invention, creating a better world through curiosity and scientific investigation, and how the current generation can make significant contributions to science and engineering.
Web Link: http://www.philasciencefestival.org/events/2011/04/science-being-green-18th-century-future
- April 22nd @2 pm and 3pm – Earth Day Nature Walk
Location: John Heinz National Wildlife Reserve 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19153
This program presents hands-on activities about the birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects that call Philadelphia home. You’ll also learn about what it is like to be a Refuge Manager and things you can do to protect the important habitat for these wild creatures!
- April 22nd starting @10 am – Earth Day at the Academy.
Location: Academy of Natural Sciences – 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103
Chemists, engineers and other scientists from the Academy will bring their equipment, fish tanks and watershed models out from their laboratories and explain how they monitor water pollution, measure climate change, test fish for toxins and identify invasive species right in your local watersheds. Join us for a fun filled day of environmental science activities for the entire family. Free with museum admission.
Web Link: http://www.philasciencefestival.org/events/2011/04/earth-day-academy
- April 22nd starting@ 10 am – National Constitution Center Earth Day Event
Location: National Constitution Center – 525 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19107
Helping our environment is a key part of being an active citizen. Everyone has the responsibility to preserve, protect and defend our planet as well as our Constitution. Visitors will learn about eating locally grown foods, testing homes for lead-based paint and other toxins, preserving our park system…and what all of it has to do with our Constitution! We will also take a look at some unlikely democracies in the Animal Kingdom and learn what the environment can teach us about government!
Web Link: http://www.philasciencefestival.org/events/2011/04/national-constitution-center-earth-day-event
- April 22nd – Spring Fling: Party with Your Planet
Location: the Philadelphia Zoo – 3400 West Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104
Celebrate the planet with music, games, and fun! Philadelphia Zoo staff and local environmental organizations will show how you can save the environment we share with animals around the world. Free with admission.
Web Link: http://www.philasciencefestival.org/events/2011/04/spring-fling-party-your-planet-0
Make a local impact with the gift of your time.
Volunteering Opportunities:
- Hope Matters, April 20 & 21, 9AM-3PM
Encourage youth to go green by joining Hope Matters in their “Going Green Matters” project. We need 15 volunteers to help create a youth garden and put together a “Going Green” quilt on April 20 and 21. - Riverbend Environmental Educational Center, April 16, 10AM-2PM (Gladwyne, PA)
Support youth education when you come out to Riverbend to remove invasive species and plant trees. REEC teaches youth through a direct connection with nature, inspiring respect for our natural world and action as aware, responsible and caring citizens.
Web Link: http://www.philacares.com/love.htm
- Spend the day with friends, family, and the community planting an urban organic garden and painting a mural!When: April 30 2011, 08:00 am to 4 pm
Location: Kensington CAPA High School 1901 N. Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19122
- Get your hands dirty constructing an urban organic vegetable garden at Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, the first LEED Platinum high school in Pennsylvania (certification pending).
- Help the school and neighborhood make the most of the learning opportunities that their green school has to offer.
- Volunteer for the day and take part in creating a legacy project in Kensington that will serve the community indefinitely.
