Earth Day 2008

On Tuesday, April 22 millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Day. Locally, public radio station 91.3 The Summit is hosting our area’s green festivities with its Earth Day 2008 Celebration. And capping off this evening of family-friendly environmental awareness is a
free concert by national
recording artist Dave Barnes.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 04/01/2008
When John F. Kennedy was president, he incorporated some thoughts about conservation—brought to his attention by Senator Gaylord Nelson—into an 11-state tour. It was the germ of an idea that ultimately flowered into what is known today as “Earth Day.”

Millions of people all over the world will come together on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 to recognize this growing environmental movement. Here’s how you can be a part of it, too—right here.

Local radio station 91.3 The Summit is hosting a special event dubbed “Earth Day 2008 Celebration” at the Hilton Akron-Fairlawn from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. “A sustainable lifestyle has become an integral part of our workplace,” proclaims Tommy Bruno, General Manager for WAPS-FM 91.3, Akron’s community-supported public radio station. “This celebration will help the entire community see how simple it is to embrace a green culture.”

And because public radio has always been about the people, the station has gathered a number of local businesses and organizations to help you get closer to your own environmental side. “This celebration will feature businesses and organizations from all over our area who are committed to making a difference in our world every day,” Tommy adds.

Already exhibitors include:

• Keep Akron Beautiful
• Lights Out Akron/Sierra Club
• Mike Pruitt Honda
• VESPA Cleveland
• METRO RTA
• Summit County Soil and Water
  Conservation
• Crown Point Farm
• Western Reserve Land Conservancy
• Slesnick Recycling
• Trashcraft.com
• New Earth Naturals
• Pure Intentions
• Energy Savings Comfort Systems
• and more

In addition to getting to know these exhibitors, you can do your own recycling. “We plan to collect recyclables such as aluminum cans, inkjet and laser toner cartridges, cell phones and more,” Tommy explains. “For every toner cartridge that’s recycled, the Akron Recycling Center will make a donation to 91.3.”

And each recycled cartridge keeps up to five extra pounds of non-biodegradable material out of the landfill. Plus 91.3 The Summit will receive funds to help further its mission of providing you with diverse, commercial-free music and award-winning content. “It’s a great way to give back in more ways than one,” Tommy adds.

Each laser cartridge that’s recycled is the equivalent of conserving two quarts of oil. That’s something to think about during a time when fuel charges have skyrocketed.

“Any organization can host a toner recycling drive to continue this effort year-round, as well as generate some funds to support their own initiatives,” encourages Greg Loo, President of the Akron Recycling Center.

“Kids teaching kids” is the philosophy of Debby Yerkes, Executive Director of the Ohio Energy Project, which will feature students from the Akron City Schools at their booth during the show. “Local high school students will have stations set up so that children can participate in hands-on activities that focus on energy conservation,” she explains. “Our program also allows students to become leaders.”

Lights Out Akron, encourages Akron area residents to turn off all non-essential lighting for one hour on Earth Day. “It’s just another way to start building the habit to reduce energy use and carbon emissions,” Tommy says. And once you get the in the habit of turning off the items you aren’t regularly using, the savings realized will be significant over the course of a year.

When you change just one of your regular light bulbs to an energy efficient CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light), you can save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime.  

“There is so much we can do,” Tommy insists. “The best part is that almost every Earth-friendly decision you make costs you nothing. But the dividends for ourselves and future generations are immeasurable.”

Join WAPS-FM 91.3 The Summit at the Hilton Akron-Fairlawn on Tuesday, April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. The hotel is located at 3180 West Market Street in Fairlawn. For more information about the celebration visit www.913thesummit.com. The station plays an eclectic mix of music, including brand new music and music from local artists.

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