Unless you’ve been flying around outer space for a light year or two, you know that Earth Day celebrations kick off across the globe in April. But did you know the world’s largest celebration of the big blue marble is about to go down in Dallas?
Earth Day Texas takes place April 26-27 at Fair Park, and this family-friendly festival features more than 800 exhibits and activities. Among the highlights:
Let Loose: Channel your inner child and run wild and free at the Global Inheritance’s Energy Playground. Here, your age doesn’t have to be in the single digits to play on a see-saw, swing set or human hamster wheel.
Go Climb a Tree: It’s not every day that you get a lesson like this. Learn how to climb a tree from Tree Climbers International, the world’s first school for recreational tree climbers.
Rainy Day Activity: Rain Ranchers, a company specializing in rain water harvesting systems, shares green practices (as in good for the environment and your wallet) such as harvesting rain water with rain barrels and practicing sustainability with urban chicken coops.
Pedal to the Metal: Experience the green power of many popular electric and hybrid vehicles, including the Tesla Coop and Roadster, Fisker, Nissan Leaf and Hybrid Pathfinder, and Lexus Hybrids. (Tesla is offering ride-alongs while BMW is allowing test drives.)
Works of Art: Enjoy several art exhibits, including Robert Haas’ National Geographic Aerials and Tom Uttech’s paintings and photographs.
Meet Famous Change Agents: Famous faces such as Ed Begley Jr., actor, director and environmentalist; Chad Pregracke, CNN Hero of the Year and founder of Living Lands & Waters; and David Mizejewski, National Wildlife Federation naturalist and media personality, will be on hand for talks and meet-and-greets.
It’s the Little Things:A Bed Over My Head, an organization dedicated to living with less, talks about downsizing and lifestyle repackaging.
That’s Entertainment: Support young musicians with the inaugural Earth Day Texas Rising Stars Music Competition and Talent Showcase, and also enjoy live music, dance performances and other entertainment.
Listen to the Experts: Learn from experts on panels discussing alternative energy, water infrastructure and environmental initiatives in cities around the state, as well as farmers and chefs discussing sustainable food practices.
Your friends at the nonprofit Earth Day Texas Inc. (EDTx) are the organizers behind this important event focused on environmental awareness and healthy living. This year, Earth Day Texas focuses on the theme of water conservation, a subject that has hit home as parts of Texas struggle with drought and low water supply.
The message from EDTx is that everyone — from business executives to parents and their children — have a significant impact on environmental health and awareness.
All ages are welcome to join Earth Day Texas. Admission is free, and you can even take DART’s Green Line to the Fair Park stop. For a complete schedule of events, visit the website. You can also follow Earth Day Texas on Facebook and Twitter and download the iPhone app.
Visit the Home Depot exhibit at Earth Day Texas.
