5 Things To Do on World Environment Day

As the official North American host of World Environment, the city of Pittsburgh is hosting more than 100 regional events. Photo: United Nations Environment Programme

World Environment Day (WED) is June 5, and the United Nations Environmental Programme has selected Pittsburgh to be the official North American host city for the event.

This year’s event falls on Saturday, and you can bet that concerts, fairs and competition will be aplenty. So, how will your city celebrate the “Other Earth Day?”

1. SAN FRANCISCO: Party at Temple Nightclub
Why wouldn’t the greenest nightclub in the world throw the biggest WED party on the West Coast? The evening will include multimedia biodiversity images from National Geographic, UN’s International Children’s Painting Competition, science and facts that will be projected throughout the nightclub during the evening’s usual activities. In addition to an informal program, tables will be set up with materials and sign-up sheets to further participate in conserving local environment. The celebration starts at 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

2. CHICAGO: Plan a day trip to the Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting a jam-packed day of events for WED that include plant container recycling, farmers markets, meet and greet with top scientists, gardening learning sessions, workshops and even fun activities for the kids. Local elected officials will also be on-hand to answer community environmental questions. The first event starts at 9 a.m., and the schedule runs through 3:30 p.m.

3. DALLAS: Head to the public library
The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library will host an afternoon of WED events that will be open to the public. Starting at 1 p.m., visitors can learn about honeybees, visit the farmers market, hear about the city’s growing bicycling culture, urban forestation and a fresh crop of used books will be available for purchase until 5 p.m. For children, storytime will begin at 1 p.m., and craft activities start at 2 p.m.

4. OMAHA: Walk for the Environment
The Green Omaha Coalition will present a walk headed by local celebrity environmentalist Don Preister, who will also act as the Walk Grand Marshall as well as booths with environmental displays and a drawing to win prizes. The walk will begin at 14th Street, between Douglas and Farnam Streets. Also on display will be This exhibit will be a Miles neighborhood electric vehicle, an E-CAR from Missouri Manufacturing with a solar charger, the O.P.P.D. Prius Conversion, the M.U.D. CNG car, a veggie oil conversion, and an NEV and E-CAR. This event is free and open to the public.

5. PITTSBURGH: Take your pick of more than 100 regional events
As the North American Host of WED, Pittsburgh will be “the place to be” on Saturday. For the past six weeks, the city has been working to “bridge the gap” between Earth Day on April 22 and WED on June 5. The city has partnered with more than 200 organizations in the region. Events include the week-long Three Rivers Arts Festival starting on June 4, Paddle at the Point kayaking and canoe world record attempt and a community-wide clean-up fest.

Don’t live in one of these cities? Check out the United Nation’s full list of events around the world.