Going Green in Michigan
Rochester plans biggest Earth Day Celebration in the state April 18-19
Rochester, Michigan, is ready for Earth Day. On the weekend before the April 22 celebration of all things Earth, the Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center (EAC) will hold its fourth annual Earth Day Expo, the largest Earth Day celebration in the state of Michigan. This year, the Earth Day Expo will be held April 18-19 in Rochester.
The EAC started the Expo because they decided Earth Day was the best way to reach larger audiences with their message to conserve the environment. John Batdorf, Web master and fundraiser of the EAC told me that Upland Hills also makes renewable energy with wind and solar power, and organizes a variety of tours, seminars, and workshops for people who want to learn more.
The Earth Day Expo will have exhibits, presentations, and entertainment for all ages. The main focus is centered around green (earth friendly) products.
“We want everyone to know that a lot of people are working on Earth friendly products and programs that can improve people’s lives and the community,” Batdorf told me.
About 50,000 people are expected to attend. Batdorf said he expects the renewable energy exhibit that has helped the EAC and the Expo grow so rapidly over the last four years will be the most popular.
Various businesses have helped make the Expo a success.
“They provide money or in-kind contributions (stuff we need) for the Expo,” he said. “We provide them with exposure on our advertising signs.”
As you can see, the EAC and the Michigan community really benefit from the Expo. Educating people about going green has really boomed in the past few years. When people are aware of and understand how to go green, they can start to take action, like the EAC, and improve people’s lives and the community.
What does your community do to preserve the environment or to celebrate Earth Day? Click on the comment link below this blog post and let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
—Andrew Prina
Photo: Two young environmentalists work on art projects at the Rochester, Michigan, Earth Day in 2008. (Photo Courtesy UHEAC)
That's really cool, Andrew! The Earth Day Expo in your community sounds kind of like the festival Full Circle Farm has here in California. Every Earth Day, they host a festival where people can visit the farm to play games, eat food, and learn tips and tricks on saving the environment. It's really fun! Happy Early Earth Day!
Posted by: Kid Reporter Anjali B. | 04/13/2009 at 07:33 PM
Hi Andrew!
I think that the expo is a great way to educate people on the Earth's condition.I am shutting off the lights in my apartment that I am not using at that moment. Even though I don't pay for lighting separately, I shut the lights off to save electricity.
Posted by: Kid Reporter Alan G. | 04/13/2009 at 09:17 PM
Andrew,
I loved your article!The Earth Day Expo is a great way to show kids how they can help make a difference. It's our planet and we have to take care of it! At my, school, we have a recycling program which helps kids start good environmental habits and helps the school raise money, too. Keep up the good work, Andrew!
Posted by: Kid Reporter Mariam E. | 04/13/2009 at 09:54 PM
Great article! I live in Michigan too, but I have never heard of this expo. I might visit it if I get the chance.
Posted by: Nicholas | 04/14/2009 at 02:36 PM
Wow! Thanks for your comments!
Posted by: Andrew P. | 04/14/2009 at 03:08 PM
Hey Andrew,
It is so cool that they have a festival for earth day. I think its really important for people to learn more about the environment.I wish they would start something like that down here in Florida.
Posted by: Kid Reporter Shelby F. | 04/14/2009 at 03:18 PM
Andrew,
It's awesome that Rochester, Michigan is doing that. I live in northern Michigan but I haven't heard anything about that. It is very important for everyone to learn about those things and celebrate Earth Day with a festival.
Posted by: Katy S. | 04/14/2009 at 07:12 PM
Wow Andrew!
Everyone is always pitching in to make the Earth beautiful and safe, but I didn't think someone would celebrate it like a festival! Thats amazing! I'd be really excited if New Jersey did that. Go Green!! :)
Posted by: Kid Reporter Gopa P. | 04/14/2009 at 08:27 PM
What's up Andrew,
-It’s pretty interesting and cool what you all are doing in Rochester, Michigan. It seems like a really cool Earth Day Event. It is good to know that some people really care about the Earth so much, that they would make this event. And for that, you gain much appreciation. You have motivated me to want to bring “Earth Day” into my community.
Keep up the great work.!
Posted by: -Daion- | 04/15/2009 at 07:19 AM
grades five through eight would pick a day to clean our home town to make it look fresh and clean
Posted by: Inge | 04/29/2009 at 11:46 AM
u should totally keep going
Posted by: Taylor | 10/14/2009 at 11:59 AM