They say that those who care about the environment should “think globally, act locally.” For those of us in Wisconsin, Earth Day is both local and global.
Wisconsin politician Gaylord Nelson launched what became Earth Day in 1970, organizing a national teach-in demonstration to convince politicians in Washington, D.C. that there was public support behind pro-environmental action. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Curt Meine of the Aldo Leopold Foundation talked to host Bianca Martin about Wisconsin's role in the environmentalist movement.
There are all kinds of family-friendly, thoughtful, and fun ways to celebrate Earth Day and support environmental causes in Madison this week.
UW-Madison, in particular the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies that bears the former governor’s name, goes big for Earth Day with this weeklong series of events. The centerpiece is an Earth Fest Forum on April 23, but there’s also a dinner on UW-Madison’s energy future on April 24, a “Green Cities, Green Students” resource fair on April 25, and a Wildflower Walk in the UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve on April 27.
Responsibly recycle computers, cellphones, and other tech devices at this special e-cycling event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the parking lot of Alliant Energy Center. Working computers will be wiped of data and refurbished to provide to low-income households as part of DaneNET’s Digital Equity Project.
350 Wisconsin and other local environmental organizations are sponsoring a parade starting at 3 p.m. at the Lady Forward statue today. March around the Capitol, listen to speakers, and take part in ARTivism projects to protect Wisconsin’s land, water, and air.
Madison Parks have come up with a clever way to organize volunteer efforts to clean up the city’s parks. To take part in the Earth Day Challenge on April 26, an online tool will tell you which parks near you need volunteers and let you register to join the cleanup efforts. It couldn’t be easier!
This free family-friendly event April 27 at Warner Park celebrates Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Madison’s designation as a Bird City. View live raptor demonstrations, take part in activities sponsored by local nature organizations, take a nature walk on the beach, and refuel with food from local food carts.
