On Earth Day, communities around the world will come together for parades, picnics, demonstrations, dancing, singing and laughter. Even though environmentalism is becoming more commonplace, many activists believe that Earth Day is even more relevant today than when the movement first started nearly forty years ago.
We caught up with Clare Cullen, Salt Spring Earth Day Festival organizer and co-owner of Gecko Green Living, to hear what a small coastal community in western Canada is doing for Earth Day, and to find out why Earth Day celebrations continue to be so important.
Is Earth Day still relevant?
It is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and arguably things are much worse than in 1970. Earth Day remains relevant because it brings grassroots organizations together with communities, businesses and schools for a single, focused cause.
Yes, environmentalism is growing around the world and Earth Day has played a key role in that growth. Earth Day brings the message and information back down to the local level, in a celebratory and positive way.
What would you like your local Earth Day to accomplish?
The main focus is to bring the community together over environmental concerns. Once we are together with a common purpose, we can take action, but also be inspired and share ideas regarding larger changes in the name of environmentalism.
Another key purpose is to have fun and be positive! So much of the news these days on environmental issues is very dire and depressing, so much so that fear and apathy can take over. If we stay positive and recognize the key role we as individuals, families and communities can play in environmental protection, power returns to us and with it actual change and movement forward.
Why is Earth Day important for young people?
Young people in particular need to celebrate Earth Day and not give in to apathy. In 1970, university students got the momentum going behind earth day and environmental issues - they rallied 20 million demonstrators on the first Earth Day in the US which forced governments and corporations to finally pay attention.
The voice of youth is needed again to make the next generation of politicians accountable. We face dramatic environmental catastrophes that young people will have to live with unless the tide is reversed or at least checked. While I do not believe for a minute that older generations should get off the hook for global environmental degradation, young people are the ones whose actions and voices need to rise up to make change.
For children, showing them our connection to the Earth is vital. If they are to care for the Earth, they need to love and understand it. In order for them to understand, they need to be taught.
Why did you get involved?
I got involved when I noticed how much garbage was in the creek behind our library. I wanted to organize a community creek clean-up and felt Earth day would be a perfect time. The idea evolved into a larger community gathering and celebration – something positive in the face of so much bad news about the environment.
I also liked the idea of bringing groups who were doing environmental work together to present themselves to the community, to raise awareness of issues both local and global, and to show off the tremendous efforts being made right here on Salt Spring Island.
Community effort is the single biggest way change can take place on the environmental front so the more we get together, to share ideas, work and celebrate, the more positive change we can make.
How would you describe the Salt Spring Earth Day Festival?
A fun, family friendly community event with live music, activities and displays which will inspire, entertain and move people to take action in their lives on environmental issues.
What else will take place during Earth Day?
Families can enjoy eco-crafts plus the Library Story Tent, and a hands-on circus workshop with Semance. There is a “Waking up the Sun” yoga session with the Ganges Yoga Studio at 9am at the gazebo in the park to reflect and stretch.
Not to be missed will be the Freecycling area where you can donate lightly used items in exchange for “new” treasures to take home – all for free! There is also a popular “Knit –In” where discarded yarns will be collectively turned into new creations. GreenMuze.com is making a Community Climate Change Art Canvas with the kids, focusing on environmental solutions.
The main event of the day is the Interpretive Creek Walk and Clean-up, hosted by Salt Spring Elementary School. At 11am on Sunday (April 18th, 2010), participants young and old are encouraged to grab some gloves and garbage bags then head out to learn about the in town creeks and do clean up on the way. The walk will lead to Mouat Park where more clean up will take place.
Anything you would like to add?
We are looking for non-profit groups and businesses that would like to have a display at Earth Day. Vending is not allowed, other than for food eaten on site, so we are encouraging displays, activities, etc.
This year we are holding a raffle to raise money – many businesses and individuals have donated some great prizes. Robert Bateman generously donated an art book that has his autograph as well as an original sketch of an owl inside the cover. Other prizes include BC Ferry passes, Salt Spring Island Coffee, a gift card from Country Grocer, gift baskets from our store Gecko Green Living and Sacred Mountain Lavender, organic waste pick-up from Planet Zero, a composter from the CRD, and a Sprout Watch and great environmental books from GreenMuze!
We welcome more donated prizes, particularly with an eco-conscious or local, organic theme. Raffles tickets are available at the Saturday Market as well as through Gecko Green Living. Raffle draws will take place on Earth Day (April 22nd).
The Salt Spring Earth Day Festival will take place in Centennial Park on Sunday, April 18th from 10am-3pm. Celebrations will include live music, kids activities and displays from non-profit groups and local eco-businesses.
For more information contact Clare Cullen at 250-537-2682 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Show/Hide comment form
