Lovin’ the Planet

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Lovin’ the planet

Plenty of Earth Day festivities in The 570
It’s once again time to pay tribute to Mother Earth, and show the planet our love — Earth Day (April 22) is almost upon us.
Founded in the spring of 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day was created as a way to highlight the need for regulations to protect the environment. (At the time, there was no Environmental Protection Agency, no Clean Air Act, and no Clean Water Act. You can read the complete history of Earth Day at www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm.)
And just as the first Earth Day opened dialogue on the subject and served as a catalyst for change, today’s events and activities may also prompt discussion and change. If you’re looking for a way to participate in Earth Day activities in your hometown, there’s no shortage of events in The 570. Check it out:

  • Earth Day on Adams, runs through Saturday, April 21. Participating businesses on Adams Ave. in downtown Scranton will plant a tree on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail when patrons purchase one or more of the following products: Tree (3) Hugger Bombs at The Bog; The “Tree Hugger Burger” at Eden, A Vegan Café; “Any 3 Plants a Tree” at Embassy Vinyl; Treehugger soap and body butter at Fanciful Fox; Any nature-related tattoo at Marc’s Tattooing; and Treehugger totes and tees at GreenBeing. Information: 341-9988.
  • Earth Week Environmental Art Show, runs through April 25, in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library at The University of Scranton. The exhibit features student art and photography with environmental themes. Admission is free. Information: 941-7520.
  • Earth Week Fair Trade Vendors’ Fair, Friday, April 20, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on the Dionne Campus Green at The University of Scranton, 800 Linden St., Scranton. Local vendors will sell fair trade products such as apparel, gift items, food and more. There will also be lectures by University of Scranton professors on various fair trade issues around the world as well as a raffle. Admission is free. Information: 941-7520.
  • Earth Day Celebration & Volunteer Day, Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lands at Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Rd., Shavertown. Prepare gardens for planting and help with spring cleaning around the farm. Information: www.thelandsathillsidefarms.org.
  • Clarks Summit Borough Celebrates Earth Day 2012, Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown sidewalk sales and tag sales will be held throughout the borough, and there will be a flea market in the borough building. Information: 586-9316.
  • Earth Day Open House, Saturday, April 21, Everything Natural, 426 S. State St., Clarks Summit. The event features organic food sampling and fresh organic juice demonstration; info on GMOs and food labeling laws, live music and more. Information: 586-9684 or www.everythingnaturalpa.com.
  • NEPA Eco-Tour (hosted by Everything Natural, Clarks Summit), Saturday, April 22. The tour of local sustainable sites includes a trip to Henningstead Farm, an organic dairy farm that is part of the Organic Valley cooperative, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Salt Springs State Park, Big Bear Bee Farm, The Trolley Trail (a Countryside Conservancy Project), and an organic dinner with live music at Be Life Café and Marketplace in Clarks Summit. Information: 586-9684 or www.everythingnaturalpa.com.
  • Jim Thorpe Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, April 22 and 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival features the Lehigh River Cleanup, free live music in the Josiah White Park, Dimmick Memorial Library & Mauch Chunk Opera House, crafters with handmade items, kids’ recycled craft area, yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, zumba and hooping workshops, environmental information, games, food and more. Information: www.jimthorpeearthday.com or 325-2079.
  • Pike Wayne Earth Day Festival, Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Rte. 6, Hawley. Free activities and events for people of all ages. Information: www.pikewayneearthday.org or 253-7001.
  • Harveys Lake Earth Day Litter Cleanup, Sunday, April 22, 12 to 3 p.m., at State Routes 415 & 1415. Information: 814-9230.
  • Prose in Pubs — Earth Day Edition, Sunday, April 22, at 7 p.m., at Jack’s Draft House, 802 Prescott Ave., Scranton. Jack McGuigan is the featured reader with additional readings by Chris Campion, Conor O’Brien and Shannon Rowlands. Information: www.proseinpubs.com.

— julie imel