Earth Day Philly

Green Partying

by Danielle Zimmerman

So what if the giant tortoises are a little boring and occasionally get it on in front of zoo visitors? We find them charming, and they definitely don't deserve to have their natural habitat destroyed. Buffalo Exchange is hosting a "Dollar Day" sale for Lonesome George (pictured), the world's last Pinta tortoise. Proceeds will benefit the Galapagos Conservatory, an organization working to repopulate Pinta Island with George's close relatives, Española tortoises. Bonus points: Vintage threads are eco-savvy.

This weekend for mini greenies explores habitats and ecosystems with a game show, enviro-friendly crafts and performances by animals and their trainers. While the activities will show how harmful humans can be to Mother Earth, the main focus will be on how to protect and love this little rock we call home.

If An Inconvenient Truth failed to get you recycling, than allow Jeffrey Sachs. The economic advisor and director of Columbia University's Earth Institute will lecture on how environmental conditions such as global warming harm the world on an economic level. ABC reporter Bill Blakemore will moderate and also discuss possible ways to lessen the impact of the many changes — economic and environmental — the world may face in coming years.

Clean Air Council is a Philly-based organization dedicated to providing communities with information about clean air and recycling and making sure environmental laws are enforced. Show your support at Blue Sky Circus, a benefit featuring performances by local tree huggers Spiral Q Puppet Theater, West Philadelphia Orchestra and violinist Katt Hernandez, among others.