/ Reviews / FYI
All Things Green and Beautiful
by Steph Wy Ng
on Friday, April 16, 2010 12:00 AM
Earth Day first began as an environmental teach-in by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970. Forty years later, April 22 is a day participated in by nearly half a billion people worldwide, with the aim of encouraging everyone to actively ponder how to make the world a more sustainable, eco-friendly place. There are a couple of fun events happening in Shanghai to raise awareness of the green issues that affect us all.
Greennovate is a fairly new organization, established in 2007, that promotes environmental awareness and sustainable development in China. It's hosting its biggest event yet this year, with the theme "Do It Yourself", providing activities for all ages to get involved and go green.
University students can find out how to become a Greennovate Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach (GECKO) Trainer. Traveling throughout China, the undergraduates will be educating younger Chinese school children about the ecological issues of today and encouraging those around them to promote a sustainable environment. For music-lovers, the potent power of Jammala - West African music played by musicians from across the globe - will accompany the Earth Day festivities. The more fashion-conscious can enjoy the "Bring it Back" Fashion Show, which will showcase the latest clothing lines created from reusable materials. The "Cool Your Bike Workshop" gives bicyclists environmentally friendly ideas to jazz-up a scruffy-looking bike.
Also celebrating Earth Day this year, but on April 24, is Rainbow Bridge International School (RBIS). Right next to Shanghai Zoo, the school has been hosting this annual event for the last few years. It involves more than 2000 children and their families from over 30 nations across the globe. Take a tour around their cultural villages, each displaying the distinctive traditions of the native country of the school's students. The family-friendly event will also have educational activities such as seed planting, stage performances from the RBIS' students and family games. Take your children along for a fun-filled day out (10am to 3pm). The actual event is free, though each participant needs to pay the entrance fee into Shanghai Zoo (RMB40).