Earth Day 2000

Local organizations, businesses and governments are sponsoring activities all week leading up to the 30th annual celebration of Earth Day. Here’s a roundup of the central “Down to Earth Day” activities on Saturday, April 22, which will include volunteer projects around Atlanta in the morning and a festival at Piedmont Park in the afternoon. For information on additional activities of the week, click to www.efg.org.

Green Day: Hands On Atlanta’s Earth Day Volunteer Projects

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Throughout metro area.

More than 20 volunteer projects designed to honor Georgia’s environment and to encourage public involvement. Individuals or teams can sign up to plant flowers, mulch and prune city trees, construct and maintain trails, stencil storm drains and clean up streams and parks. To register, call Hands On Atlanta at 404-872-2252 or sign-up online at www.handsonatlanta.org.

Earth Day 2000: Unplugged

Noon-3 p.m. Tennis center parking lot, Piedmont Park

Shifting Gears: Transportation Alternatives for Sustainable Communities

“I Can’t Get There From Here: A Look at Public, Pedestrian and Rail Transit in Georgia.” Noon. Presented by Alan Yorker, President of the Georgia Association of Rail Road Passengers.

“Sprawling All Over You: Smart Growth for Our Communities.” 1 p.m. Presented by Bryan Hager, director, Georgia Sierra Club Challenge to Sprawl Campaign.

“Kids Bicycle Workshop: Getting Around in an Earth Friendly Way.” 2 p.m. Presented by Dennis Hoffarth of the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign.

Zapping Your Energy: Reducing Energy Use at Your Home and Business

“Improving the Earth and the Bottom Line: Businesses Daring to Be Different.” 12 p.m. Presented by Jennifer DuBose, Interface Research.

“Sunsations for Kids: How to Build Solar Ovens.” 1 p.m. Presented by Gretchen Gigley, Southface Energy Institute.

“From Your Socket to Your Pocket: Saving Energy in Your Home.” 2 p.m. Presented by Susie Spivey, technical assistant, Southface Energy Institute.

Positive Energy: New Energy for a New Era

“Energy Currents: A Play by the Campaign for a Prosperous Georgia.” 12 p.m. Presented by area high school students and Campaign for a Prosperous Georgia.

“Living Off the Grid: A Sustainable Dwelling.” 1 p.m. Presented by Randall White, President Georgia ForestWatch.

“Death by Degrees: The Emerging Health Crisis of Climate Change in Georgia.” 2 p.m. Presented by Ed Arnold, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Atlanta

Earth Day 2000 Party in the Park

8 p.m.-1 p.m. Magnolia Hall, Piedmont Park

Music by the Nonessentials. Silent auction. Guest speakers. Sponsored by the Environmental Fund for Georgia and Bank of America. $15/person; $25/couple.