WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Union Station in Washington D.C., one of the nation’s premier, historic transportation hubs, is hosting Earth Month 2013, to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainability. Earth Day Network, the organization which coordinates Earth Month worldwide, and the Premier Tourist and Landmark Association, a media and event agency, are presenting free, educational and interactive events and entertainment throughout the entire month of April.
There will be programmed activities, entertainment, contests, games, giveaways and much more throughout the month culminating with a full slate of special events and entertainment on Earth Day, Monday, April 22. Earth Day will feature music by the US Army’s Field Band, The Road, The Delusions and The Volunteers with dance performances by Urban Impact, Jazz Factor and Sahara Dancers.
Several major U.S. companies and organizations are supporting Earth Month 2013, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the District Department of Environment, Chobani, Washington DC Public Schools, FilmFest DC, Washington Gas Energy Services, Best Western and NASA.
“An entire month of environmental programming in one of the nation’s busiest tourist destinations and transportation hubs gives us an opportunity to reach a wide audience and deliver a critical message: Your individual actions can make a big difference for the environment we all share,” said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. “Earth Month at Union Station will bolster our efforts to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement as we share the global theme for Earth Day 2013 – The Face of Climate Change.”
Earth Month began April 1 with a Youth Art Contest presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington. The annual contest will include a greater emphasis on environmental themes and expose the budding artists to more than 100,000 visitors who travel through Union Station’s doors each day. Winners will be announced on April 22nd, during the Earth Day activities.
On April 17 and 18, the Earth Month Film Festival will feature Academy Award nominee, Chasing Ice, and includes feature film Shore Up and Elemental, award winning short Black Inside, featuring Julia Roberts, NASA stunner Dynamic Earth and many more.
Exciting exhibits and events throughout Union Station will include: a science fair for local students; a Farmers Market; a Green Fashion Show featuring feature eco-friendly fashion; Washington Gas & Electric discussing carbon offsets; the UN Foundation and The Millennium Challenge showcasing their Clean Cookstoves Project; and, several sponsors including Solar City, Chobani, Verizon, Amtrak and Best Western will exhibit their sustainable business practices.
Washington Gas Energy Services, one of the largest energy suppliers in the Washington region will educate attendees about how they can green their energy through carbon offsets and wind power. “One of the most impactful ways for Washington, D.C. area residents to reduce their carbon footprint is by selecting clean energy products,” said Harry Warren, president of Washington Gas Energy Services. “As a leading competitive energy supplier, we are committed to providing customers with energy options such as wind power and carbon offsets that are better for the environment.”
The activities planned for Earth Month 2013 include:
| April 1 – 14: | National Cherry Blossom Festival Youth Art Contest - West Hall | |||
| April 15 – 23: | Verizon Wireless Earth Fair - East Hall | |||
| April 17: | District Department Of Environment Fair - East Hall | |||
| April 17 - 18: | Earth Month Film Festival - Columbus Club | |||
| April 18: | District Department Of Environment Fashion Show - East Hall | |||
| April 22: | NASA Earth image gallery Exhibit and hands-on demos - Main Hall | |||
| April 19, 22: | Farmers Market - West Carriage Porch | |||
| April 22: | Earth Day! Earth Day Network Events and Entertainment - Main Hall and East Hall | |||
| April 23: | Amtrak Sustainability Fair - East Hall |
“Throughout April our partners will have the chance to engage and educate visitors to this historic destination about their role in advancing environmental sustainability,” said Roy Staeck, vice president of business development of Union Station. “Union Station is proud to host Earth Month 2013 as a part of our ongoing commitment to the environment.”
Complete information can be found at www.unionstationdc.com
About Earth Day Network
Earth Day Network’s mission is to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. EDN coordinates Earth Day, mobilizing over one billion people in 192 countries every year on environmental challenges impacting our health, quality of life and the natural world. Year-round, EDN is a leader on environmental education and green school buildings. EDN also plants millions of trees worldwide – in the places that need them most – and works to expand the emerging green economy and protect natural lands. For more information, visit www.earthday.org.
About Premier Tourist and Landmark Association
PTALA is an agency that specializes in the marketing and promotion of destination venues. An association of the prominent Tourist Destination Venues and Attractions in North America, PTALA works to maximize the guest experience and provide comprehensive, unique marketing platform solutions for a variety of clients including Union Station, Washington D.C., Harborplace in Baltimore, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, and River Center in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit www.ptala.com.
