BY WHITNEY HEWITT
This Sunday marks the 42nd celebration of Earth Day, on which more than one billion people around the globe will participate show their support to fight for a clean environment. Earth Day is a day for action; a chance to show how important the environment is to you.
To help you rally for our very own planet, we scoured the city for ideas on how you can get involved in celebrating here in Chicagoland:
Earth Day Resource Fair in City Hall: Join the City of Chicago and Cook County to learn about opportunities to green your home and business and volunteer in your community. Friday, April 20; 10am-2pm. 121 N. LaSalle, Chicago.
5K for Earth Day: Set along the historic landmarks of Humboldt Park, this 5K run/walk celebrates the mainstream green movement and diverse community engagement. The race will culminate at the Humboldt Park boathouse with a free Green Living Expo including great food, music and family entertainment. Saturday, April 21; 8am race start. 1440 N. Sacramento Ave, Chicago.
Green Home Chicago: Pop-Up Exhibition: The Field Museum’s Spring Youth Design Team brings “Green Home Chicago”, a pop-up exhibition designed, developed and built entirely by high school youth from across Chicago. Aimed at the “urban family”, the pop-up focuses on the special resources, challenges and benefits to living in the Chicagoland environment. Sunday, April 22; 10am-1pm. LaSalle Street Church Park, 1140 N. LaSalle Blvd, Chicago.
Oak Park Earth Fest: Learn about the local, sustainable food movement with chef demos, kid-friendly activities, a community mural, farmers, and nearly 50 eco-friendly vendors. Saturday, April 21; 10am-2pm. 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park.
Ecology Center Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration: Play games, make crafts, and visit information stations with the Ecology Center staff. Children can participate in fun solar, recycled and natural-themed games and crafts. Saturday, April 21; 1pm-4pm. 2024 Mccormick Blvd Evanston.
Do you feel compelled to take action? Check out the Earth Day website for even more ways to celebrate Earth Day 2012 and pledge an Act of Green!
Whitney Hewitt is the founder of Gatz Optimize, a social media consulting and marketing agency. With over eight years in marketing and communications, Hewitt puts her skills to work for both small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations. She is also the President of the Chicago chapter of Femfessionals, a professional organization dedicated to connecting and promoting savvy women in the Windy City. Follow Whitney @GatzSocialMedia.
