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Photography from last year’s EarthFest
Free entrance if you:
• ride your bike to the event.
• take the RTA.
• are an Earth Day Coalition member.
• work as a teacher.
A truly momentous celebration is on the horizon! And in OSM’s own backyard: EarthFest 2014—the longest-running Earth Day festival in the nation, and Ohio’s largest—is coming to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds on April 13. (Weather forecast? 66 degrees.)
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., attendees will experience an array of sustainability-themed events: riding biodiesel-powered roller coasters, eating healthy by way of local food truck, enjoying bands on five stages and visiting mobile wildlife exhibits, to name a few. For a full list of events, click here.
Since 1990, EarthFest has been organized by Earth Day Coalition, which focuses its efforts on four programs throughout the year, including Neighborhood Action, the Student Environmental Leadership Program and the Clean Transportation Program. Among native plant restoration and teaming up with the Department of Energy, projects range from hosting a student-led community service conference to assisting car owners and businesses in the switch from gas to alternative fuels. Their fourth and final program, EarthFest, brings it all together.
This year’s theme is Zero Waste, which will capitalize on the festival’s past successes: 15,000 festival-goers recycled 1.6 tons of waste and composted 1.9 in 2013. Executive Director of Earth Day Coalition, Scott Sanders, says this was achieved by reducing “up front”:
If we reduce up front—like how we show visitors ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost right here at the festival—there will be a huge impact on the environment. Last year, we were able to do this with the help of 250 exhibitors giving engaging seminars, and 14 food trucks all providing compostable plates and utensils. Our battle cry is ‘Go Zero!’
With the help of partner organizations such as Sustainable Cleveland 2019, Kimble Recycling and Disposal, Future Organics and ZeroWaste NEO, EarthFest boasts a tremendous number of resources—and the expertise—to offer activities and events that truly entertain and educate:
It’s a testament to this city and this region. We are really at the forefront of the sustainability movement, as a vibrant top local and sustainable food economy, and as a proponent for advanced, renewable energy. Change is happening really fast, and it’s making Cleveland one of the go-to spots for sustainable living.
To be part of the event that is setting Cleveland apart, join the Year of Zero Waste—and consider taking your first step towards living a more sustainable lifestyle with EarthFest 2014. Where else can you enjoy a microbrew and pony ride while raising environmental awareness?
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