Austinites, get ready for Earth Day

Austin is known for being a laid-back, earthly kind of place; so naturally with the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day coming up on April 22, Austin is not only celebrating the day, but the whole week.

Starting April 14, there are events planned in order to honor the earth and have a good time while doing it. Because Austin is the music capitol, it would only be right to kicking off the week with a concert. The concert will feature the Old 97’s and Ben Kweller.

Activities throughout the week will also include a farmer’s market with focus on sustainable food, a guided hike along Barton Creek, screening of the academy award winning film, The Garden, Earth Day festival, and Barton Springs cleaning.

The Earth Day festival which will be held April 21 and will feature local green artists, live music and entertainment, vendors and their earth-friendly, sustainable wares, a showing of an episode from the series- Plant Earth, as well as fun and educational activities for kids.

“Give 5% back to Mother Earth” will occur on Earth Day and is a commitment from certain businesses to contribute 5% of gross sales for the day to support seven non-profit organizations that are committed to protect the environment and preserve the culture of Austin. Some of the businesses include Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, Opals Divine, Shady Grove and Trudy’s. You can find the rest of the list at http://www.austinearthday.com/givefive.html

So, for the most part, by shopping or going out to eat on Earth Day, Austinites can contribute to supporting and helping the Austin community and environment. Not a bad deal!

If some want to contribute their time but not their money, there is always the Barton Springs cleaning. This is where volunteers come out on Earth Day and give back by helping clean up the Barton Springs pool.