Earth Day, the annual celebration of all things green, is quietly happening this Friday. Very quietly.
After last year’s blowout celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which included the Climate Rally on the National Mall featuring the likes of Sting, John Legend and Joss Stone, this year’s recognition of the big day is much more subdued.
| Earth Day events |
| Looking for something fun to do this Earth Day? Here are five ideas that will entertain — and get you thinking. |
| Green Screen: The Washington Film Institute presents two films, “The Nuclear Comeback” and “The Fourth Revolution” at the Goethe Institut (812 Seventh St. NW). First film at 6:45 p.m., second at 8 p.m. $10 for one film, $15 for both. http://dcfilminstitute.org. |
| Eco Fashion Show: At the environmentally conscious boutique Carbon (2643 Connecticut Ave. NW) in Woodley Park, check out items from New York-based designer Auralis Herrero. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday $25. ferraguteventgroup.com. |
| Earth Day at Commissary: This D.C. restaurant will have representatives of Clean Currents, purveyors of clear energy, on hand. Bring in your power bill, sign up with Clean Currents, and get a free Cosmo. Plus get 10 percent off to-go orders if you bring a reusable bag, and free coffee if you bring your own reusable container. commissarydc.com. |
| Wine Tasting at the Butcher’s Block: Enjoy a free bio-dynamic and organic wine tasting at this Alexandria restaurant from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday. braborestaurant.com |
| “African Cats,” at local theaters: This new film from Disney on wild cats in Africa debuts Friday. Disneynature will make a donation to the African Wildlife Foundation for every ticket purchased during opening week. disney.go.com/disneynature/africancats/ |
“It’s been like this year, it’s radio silence,” said John Hanshaw, director of the Washington Film Institute.
However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t fun events taking place in the D.C. area recognizing the effect one’s choices can have on the environment.
In celebration of Earth Day, Hanshaw and the WFI present a new series called Green Screen. On Friday at the Goethe Institut, Hanshaw will screen two films: “The Nuclear Comeback” and the “The Fourth Revolution.”
“Particularly with environmental issues, there’s a great deal of energy in D.C.,” Hanshaw said. “I’m trying to bring everyone together under one umbrella.”
“It’s a great day to get people thinking,” he added about Earth Day’s effect.
Hanshaw hopes to see Green Screen continue as an occasional series.
“The Fourth Revolution” looks at entrepreneurs exploring renewable energy.
“It’s a good positive, look at the issues,” Hanshaw said.
“The Nuclear Comeback” addresses a “global nuclear Renaissance.”
“I thought this was especially important considering what’s going on in Japan,” Hanshaw added.
When it comes to fashioning a green happening, well, that’s exactly what Vanessa Ferragut does. Ferragut and her Ferragut Events Group throws Earth-friendly gatherings, or helps people green up their event.
“I debunk the theory that green events have to cost more money,” Ferragut said. “What drew my attention to it is that an event can be a beautiful event and not contribute tons of carbon to the atmosphere.”
On Friday, Ferragut is helping to throw an ecological fashion show at Carbon, an upscale eco-friendly boutique in Woodley Park. The event will feature New York-based designer Auralis Herrero.
While the there might not be a concert on the Mall filled with superstars and speakers, Earth Day Network does have a number of events listed on its website atearthday.org. The organization debuted this week its Billion Acts of Green app for Facebook.
Though a concert on the Mall would have been welcomed.
“I’ve very disappointed in that,” Ferragut said. “I’ll speak on behalf of a lot of greenies who are disappointed.”
