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Earth Day Goes Green
By Lily Auliff
More than 50 groups hosted booths at the event, which was sponsored by Waste Management Inc. Visitors signed letters to their government representatives, test drove a solar-powered buggy, petted native snakes and opossums, checked out some electric cars, and looked at wind and solar power demos. Entertainment abounded. The KTRU Solar Stage hosted acts from Middle Eastern dance troupes to improvisational comedy. The KPFT Biodiesel Stage was home to seven music groups, playing rap to jazz to rockabilly. The Kids Zone featured two free moonwalks, face painting, and several educational arts and crafts projects.
The Houston Earth Day 2002 organizing committee worked hard to make this year’s event the greenest ever. “The many positive comments I received from the over 2,500 people that attended the event have made me feel certain that our move was for the best,” said event chair Alesha Herrera. “The environmental attributes of our celebration, as well as the variety of entertainment was well received. We’ve set up a great foundation for years to come.” Festival guests could recycle the standard paper, glass, aluminum, plastic, and organic waste, but also had some unique recycling opportunities. Eagle Electronic Resources demonstrated u-pull-a-part computer recycling. Those who brought old computer equipment could take it apart and sort for recyclable components. The Rice Environmental Club accepted inkjet, copier, and laser printer toner cartridges, and spent household batteries. Event organizers also collected old cellular phones to be donated to an area women’s shelter, and used eyeglasses, which will be sent to those in need. The entire festival was BYOC (bring your own cup) – no disposable drinkware was distributed, although participants could purchase durable festival cups made from recycled plastic. Volunteers sported t-shirts made from 50 percent recycled cotton and 50 percent recycled plastic. Festival organizers also worked with venders to reduce waste. For example, Thai Spice sold their delicacies in small recyclable paper trays rather than using disposable plates. Instead of standard festival turkey legs and cheese fries, healthier, earth-friendly vegetarian choices were abundant. Thai Spice sold veggie spring rolls, dumplings, and grilled tofu. Extreme Blendz mixed up refreshing all-fruit smoothies. Volunteers grilled veggie burgers and tofu dogs and passed out free ice cream provided by Ben & Jerry’s. The Hare Krishnas cooked up vegan fare. And, Central City Co-Op sold fresh, organic bananas, strawberries, and much more at a small farmer’s market. CEC would like to thank the sponsors of Houston Earth Day 2002: |
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