Earth Day events!

I am so excited about Earth Day this year! It was just last year that I started going green and I can't wait to participate in some great local events. Being a tightwad often means being environmentally friendly so this is a unique time for me. I hope you find some time to check out what's going on around GR.

1. Indoor Farmer's Market & Film Festival at the GR public library - April 19th - FREE

-Here's what the website says, "A showcase of West Michigan Co-op members will be on hand to sell their goods. Shop for local meats, cheese, vegetables, fruits, soap, syrup and more! While you are here, stop by the auditorium to watch films about the impact of large factory farms on small, family-owned farms and the environments."

Film schedule:

1:15 pm As We Sow

2:00 pm Through Farmers' Eyes: Impacts of Industrial Agriculture

2:35 pm The True Cost of Food

3:00 pm The Future of Food

2. Earth Week Celebration at the GR public library - April 19-26 - FREE

-You can recycle your old cell phone and get a CFL bulb in exchange. This goes on all week

3. Earth Day fun at the GR public library - April 22 - FREE

On the 22nd you can come and find ways to help save the planet, join in some activities, hear some stories and make some environmentally friendly crafts. This is from 11-12pm for ages 6 and up.

4. Rain Garden Ground Breaking at the GR Public library - April 22 - FREE

-The staff at the library and Calvin College students will begin work on this exciting new project at 11am. It will be on the East side of the building.

5. Earthwork Music Collective at the GR public library - April 24 - FREE

-"The Earthwork Music Collective believes in the intrinsic and historical power of music to raise both community and self-awareness and serves to facilitate and encourage original music in Michigan and beyond. This concert is free and open to the public. The first 100 people in the door will be given an energy efficiant compact fluorescent bulb." Times are 7-8:30pm.

6. Party for the planet at John Ball Zoo - April 19 - $3.50 for adults & $3 for ages 3-13

-"PARTY FOR THE PLANET is John Ball Zoo’s 2nd Annual celebration of Earth Day. PARTY FOR THE PLANET offers visitors all the fun in an early spring day at the Zoo, PLUS an opportunity to learn what’s being done right here in W. Michigan to help preserve our world’s wildlife and its many resources. This event brings the many conservation minded organizations, agencies, and companies together at the Zoo to showcase the explosion of green practices happening in our own neighborhoods. There will be games to play, prizes to win, demonstrations, give-aways to grab and much to learn at this special event." Times are 10am - 3pm.

So there's some quick ideas of things to do to celebrate. It's a great time to teach your kids about conservation. Check out about.com for earth day crafts and ideas. They had some great suggestions.