Earth Day Festival Photos

The Earth Day Festival was fantastic. Most of one of the streets in downtown Spokane was blocked off for the street fair. And although the turn out was not as great as any one would have hoped, it was reportedly hirer than the previous years. There were many speakers at the event: several environmental conversationalists, the mayor, and a state senator. In addition there were dozens of booths ranging from politics to arts and crafts, all about the environment and its protection. Although not many people of my age group showed up, there were plenty of adults, young adults, and children attending. And without further ado, here are the promised photos:

  

This sign was emblazoned upon the side of a tall building. Hopefully plenty of people saw it and appreciated its message. 

The entertainment while we were there was a West African dance crew.

The previously mentioned Earth day flag.

Parade of Species.

Classic Spokane- the ferris wheel and 70s World Fair pyramid.

Morgan looking at the seagulls in river park square.

Me, enjoying an ice cream cone at the festivities.

- Amber

All About Earth Day

Earth Day, celebrated April 22, was founded by U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson in 1970 was designed to be a day for the promotion of the environment and its protection. According to the Wikipedia article, the first Earth Day was an unsuspected, raving success. Despite original skeptical predictions of the turn-out, over 20 million people from all demographics, all across the country got out and rallied for the environment. Since its creation 40 years ago, Earth Day has continued to grow in size. The holiday is now celebrated globally, endorsed by the United Nations, and has even spread into Earth Week. An entire week of April designated for the love and protection of planet Earth.

Although Earth Day isn't until the middle of next week, I thought it would be fitting to write an article on it today seeing as I will be attending Spokane's annual Earth Day celebration downtown in only a few hours. The event takes place from 11:00 AM until midnight today, and will feature: community booths, vendors, performances, live music, plenty of food and beverages, and fun activities for people of all ages. Not only is Earth Day a great opportunity for fun, and the protection of the environment, it offers a great opportunity for teaching the next generation about ecology. In my opinion, the best method for ensuring the protection of the planet in the future is to education children, the next generation- and Earth Day is a prime occasion for this kind of education. 

Some of the specific events occurring are: 

• planting vegetable gardens and wildflowers
• a water testing activity
• bicycle endorsement and helmet give-away
• bird-feeder construction
• and arts and crafts made from recycled materials

I'll be off soon to the event... and I promise to take and post plenty of pictures of the proceedings. 

- Amber

[inserted images are earth day flags: 1. agreenwayoflife.com, 2. inhabitat.com, 3. teacherweb.com].

More Pictures

So, Spring quarter just started up at SCC... and I've been feeling kind of distracted lately - not really in the educational/research mood generally required for writing more formal blog posts. So if it's alright with everyone I think I'm going to try and shift to a more informal attitude. That means more pictures, more about my life and my experiences, with the occasional educational post tossed in there. If there are any objections- or if you feel that I am lacking in one of those categories feel free to comment.

Here's a quick recap of my latest adventures: I went to Alaska for spring break, it was incredible. That is where the below pictures are from. I've decided to go back to Anchorage next year for school and everything is all lined up for that. This is good for my enviro-habits too... At West I will rejoin and actively participate in school recycling, Green Team, and FIISH club. As well as continue my vegetarianism. While in Alaska I fell back on my no-meat policy. But now that I've returned to Spokane its back to full veg for me. I'll keep you posted on how its going. But as for now, PHOTOS: 

The view of sleeping lady and the Cook Inlet from my step-mom's office in downtown.

A sundog...

Looking over the inlet from our parking spot downtown.

Girls night out for first Friday. Clockwise: Amber, Morgan, Heather, Lisa.

That's all for now. I hope you enjoyed the new pictures. 

- Amber

Photos of Alaska

It has been really great to be back with our family in Alaska. Unfortunately however, spring break is almost over and we'll be flying back to Spokane on Sunday morning. Here are some photos of my latest Alaskan adventure.

Flying over the cascades on the way to Anchorage from Seattle. 

The view from my snow tunnel in the front drive-way.

XC skiing in Girdwood with my cousins.

Sunrise, view from the living room window.

Airplane flying over sleeping lady at Kincaid park.

That's all for now. I hope you enjoy them. I'll write more later. But as for now I am going to go to an art show. 

- Amber