Organized by the Earth Day Network (EDN), Earth Day 2000 offers individuals and organizations an opportunity to promote energy efficiency in high-profile media events all over the United States--and the entire world. Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio will kick off the national event on April 22 at the mall in Washington, D.C., in front of an expected audience of 200,000-300,000. This event will feature live musical performances on a solar-powered stage, as well as "EarthFair 2000 on the Mall," the latter to consist of hundreds of exhibits promoting environmentalism. Several energy technology pavilions will feature hands-on activities, children's activities, and opportunities for direct action. EarthFair 2000 will also recycle its trash, use clean alternative energy, and demonstrate other ways to have a sustainable event as well as a sustainable world. 

Many environmental organizations will take advantage of this year's Earth Day theme to promote long-standing goals. For example, the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) plans to ramp up its ongoing public education efforts with messages on radio and TV. The messages are designed to help people understand the link between energy production and air pollution and learn how they can make a difference right now by using currently available energy-efficient technology. ASE will also hold an energy efficiency contest on its Web site and at EarthFair 2000, where people can fill out a simple quiz to be eligible for a prize. Prizes will range from energy-efficient light bulbs to an efficient patio door to attic insulation and possibly even a highly efficient washing machine. 

Worldwide, up to 500 million people are expected to participate in Earth Day events, large and small, that will take place over an entire month. As of December, more than 3,000 organizations in 167 countries were making plans to be involved, and EDN expects that by April, at least one organization from every nation in the world will have signed up to take part. Huge Earth Day events are planned for major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and San Diego, as well as major international hubs. On the EDN Web site, you can find an Earth Day event in your area, and even list your own event.

Colleen Turrell is Home Energy's managing editor.

For more information: Earth Day Network  91 Marion St. Seattle, WA 98104  Tel:(206)264-0114  E-mail: earthday@earthday.net Web site: www.earthday.net.

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