Earth Day Roundup

Your to-do list for saving the planet.

by Dianca Potts

In support of the African Village Survival Initiative, a group that advocates for sustainability and self-reliance in Africa, this event will feature Brazilian bossanova, a farmers market, poetry readings and the Uhuru Flea Market offering ethnic jewelry, wall art and other goods. Through discussions and workshops, local activists will also highlight the importance of sustainability. As if you granolas don't already know.

At his workshop, Philly botanical guru Lord Whimsy will show green thumbs how to create container gardens for carnivorous flora like pitcher plants and Venus flytraps. Whimsy says container gardening, which utilizes recycled materials like old shoes, is an "inexpensive way to make your living space more beautiful." It reduces toxic airbornes and increases oxygen levels, too.

Now in its 27th year, this race will host 2,000 runners in support of the Clean Air Council, a nonprofit that fights for better breathing in Pennsylvania and Delaware. "The air quality in Philly is terrible," says event coordinator Ryan Schneider. "People don't realize how things like a 5K run can really promote green living and clean energy." In addition to the race, attendees will be able to recycle their old running shoes, which will be used to make rubber lining for basketball courts, playgrounds and tracks.

Alastair Forthergill and Mark Lindfield, the award-winning tag team that directed the Planet Earth series, return with another nature documentary that features super cameras and awe-inspiring storytelling. Earth tells the tale of three animal families — polar bears, whales and elephants — and is narrated by Darth Vader. I mean James Earl Jones.

This local comedy troupe presents an evening of slapstick that addresses global warming. Props to anyone who can make us laugh about that.