by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Since the Earth Day at Jacksonville Landing event sprouted nearly 20 years, the event has grown like an unruly weed in a well manicured vegetable garden.
Unlike the weed, though, the celebration’s continued growth through the years has been a cause for celebration among City and Landing officials as well as local participating companies that use the day to engage the community with the common purpose of protecting the environment.
“When we first started 19 years, we had enough vendors to circle the inner courtyard (of the Landing),” said Christi Veleta, City environmental protection board program administrator. “This year, we have so many participants that it will close down part of Hogan Street (between the Landing and Times-Union Center) as it stretches out.”
Now in its 19th year, the event returns to the Landing Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., just before Earth Day on April 22.
Veleta organizes the annual event and though it’s gone through subtle change over the years, the message behind it has remained the same.
“Our mission is to heighten awareness of environmental issues and show what individuals can do to help,” said Veleta. “It’s always a fun day and draws a lot of interest.”
More than 50 public and private organizations will take part Saturday, combining for more than 100 different environmentally themed booths that will shed a little light on how they are promoting good environmental practices.
Participation can also make sound business sense, as Veleta believes consumers can give environmentally conscious companies a boost compared to their competition.
“People generally know the products (of participating companies) but they don’t know what practices they’re doing to help the environment,” said Veleta. “It’s an opportunity for the community to get a second look at them.”
For longtime participating local companies like CSX and Vistakon, the Earth Day event is a way to reach out to the public and give back.
“It’s an opportunity to provide information about CSX and show people some of the cool ideas we’ve worked on over the past few years,” said Rick Nath, CSX manager of environmental programs. “We’ve been involved for more than 10 years now.”
Besides environmental presentations on practices that recycle their waste systems and modern locomotives, Nath said company volunteers will also be working with teachers on craft and mentor projects.
Pat Houston-Sellers, Vistakon’s environmental health and safety project manager, has a similar view of the community message the forum provides. Vistakon has participated in the event since 1993.
“It’s a good chance to show the city what we’re (Vistakon) doing to keep our environmental footprint down,” said Houston-Sellers, who added that this year’s booth will include the company’s “Healthy Planet 2010” program as well as packaging reduction practices.
On the public sector side, several City departments including the Environmental Quality, Mosquito Control, Environmental Protection and Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission will all be on display with consumer tips and interactive displays.
Event growth hasn’t been limited to just the amount of booths, as the number of entertainment factions and arts and crafts projects for children has also ballooned over the years.
This year, children will be able to create everything from Earth Day binders and sun visors to friendship bracelets and gift boxes.
Landing Director of Marketing Michael Chambliss called the upcoming event a “fun, full day” that he expects to surpass last years estimated crowd of more than 5,000.
Planned a year in advance by Landing and City officials, the day is one he believes is becoming more important to the community as evidenced by the increased number of participants and attendance.
“I think what’s happening is everybody is going green not just to save money but to also do their part in making a difference for the environment,” said Chambliss. “Everybody is just looking for what they can do to help.”
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