Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Diversions

Earth gets its day in the sun

More attention is being paid to Earth Day this year, in part because of an Academy Award.

By Sharon Kennedy Wynne
Published April 19, 2007

If you are looking at trends, the Earth is hot.

There's that whole global warming business that earned Al Gore an Oscar for An Inconvenient Truth, the "It" factor of driving a hybrid, the new admiration for wearing hemp or bamboo.

For the first time in a few years, Earth Day, which is Sunday, has a higher profile.

"I think (An Inconvenient Truth) made us stop thinking 'I'm just one person, what difference does it make?' " said Jennifer Moore, who teaches about nature at the Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg. "We are starting to realize that a lot of people making little changes can make a big impact."

So, in honor of Earth Day, how about a party to spread the eco-friendly message? Here are some ideas:

- Use recyclable materials, such as aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles - and provide bins for separating trash, of course.

- Select environmentally friendly ingredients with phrases such as organic, free-range, fair-trade and pesticide-free on the label.

- Serve your guests on regular plates and silverware rather than plastic foam, and use real flowers and leaves from your garden for centerpieces and decoration.

- Encourage guests to walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation to your party. Riding the bus can be part of the fun when you are with a group.

- If you need party-time activities, Web sites such as www.make-stuff.com, craftster.org and getcrafty.com have a ton of ideas for crafts using recycled materials, such as old records or cigar boxes.

- Send guests home with party favors such as an energy-efficient lightbulb, a list of recycling centers or a seedling from native plants.

Earth Day events

MarineQuest Sat.

Family-friendly open house at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute with interactive, educational activities for adults and kids. Learn about the facility's current research on Florida manatees and coral reefs; kids explore critters of Tampa Bay in the touch tank and enjoy craft activities including origami and gyotaku (fish printing). 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 100 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 896-8626; www.floridamarine.org.

EarthFest 2007 Sat.

Festival with Earth-friendly activities for all ages. Includes tree and shrub giveaway, Florida Native Plant Society plant sale, environmental exhibits and programs, plus nature-friendly kids' crafts, butterfly encounter and birdhouse building (fee). Also music, storytelling and food. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Florida Botanical Gardens and the Extension Service at Pinewood Cultural Park, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Free. (727) 582-2100; www.flbg.org.

Earth Day at Honeymoon Island Sat.

Festival celebrates Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island state parks, with fine art, crafts, environmental vendors and Osprey Village environmental displays, guided nature walks and talks, and food. Also music by Urban Gypsies, steel drum and Jimmy Buffett tribute music, drum circle and dance. Festival 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd. (west end of Dunedin Causeway). $5 per car. (727) 469-5942; www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland.

Earth Day Energy Fair and films Fri.-Sat.

Screening of An Inconvenient Truth and discussion on global warming with Dr. Mary Key, 7 p.m. Fri. Donations accepted. Also One-Ton Challenge Energy Fair, with fun exhibits and hands-on activities, plant sale, and 11 a.m. screening of An Inconvenient Truth, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Tampa Unity, 3302 W Horatio. Donations accepted. (813) 870-0731.

Earth Day Tampa Bay Sun.

Festival theme is "Let's Cool It! Global Warming Is Our Responsibility." Exhibits include energy efficiency, hybrid car and alternative fuel vehicles, natural and organic products, wildlife, home and garden, and community organizations. Also entertainment and kids' activities. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Lowry Park band shell, Sligh Avenue and N Boulevard, Tampa. Free. (813) 926-5659; www.tampagov.net.

[Last modified April 18, 2007, 11:40:52]