Mid-Missouri Celebrates Earth Day 2012

On April 22, more than one billion people around the world will participate in Earth Day 2012. The annual Earth Day, coordinated by an international network called Earth Day Network, is a global effort to raise awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s environment. And this year, the theme is “Mobilize the Earth.”

Image credit: sumeremus.blogspot.com

Many issues are on the table: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, green jobs, clean air, and etc. Environmentalists and activists hope to educate their governments to stop polluting the earth in the process of industrial growth and find ways to decrease energy consumption via international cooperation. Yet Rome was not built in a day.

While organizations are lobbying to get “green” legislations passed, on the individual level, there’s a lot we can do to help. Turn off the lights and air conditioners when you’re not using it; once in a week, walk to work or ride bicycles; unplug all electronic appliances when leaving home for a vacation and much more. March 30th’s Earth Hour is one example showing how an action as little as turning off the light for one hour can add up to become something big. The City of Columbia alone saved 2 megawatts during the Earth Hour this year.

Throughout April, mid-Missourians can participate in a variety of events to your support to the environmental movement. The Department of Natural Resources sponsored the 18th annual Earth Day celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the Missouri State Capitol south lawn. Activities for the event were tailored to fifth-graders, but all ages were welcome. The event included information booths, games and displays about the environment.

The Columbia Area Earth Day Festival is scheduled for Sunday, April 22 in Peace Park. There will be a Street Fair called Eco Avenue  from noon to 6 p.m. as well as music performance. Grant Elementary All Star Choir & Drum Ensemble, Midway Heights Elementary 4th and 5th Grade Choir, The Hellbenders and Stephens College Children’s School Group will perform from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Earth and Sky, DanceArts Dance Academy and La Movida will perform from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Audience can expect performance from John D’Agostino and the Earth Day Band, Violet and the Undercurrents, Missouri Weather and the Wait Five and Mere Mortals from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The final hour will feature the Box Elders.

8 Goes Green will continue to keep you updated on more Earth Day events and we look forward to your input in mobilizing the earth this year.