Top Ways To Celebrate Earth Day 2013 In Philadelphia

Since its official start in 1970, Earth Day has been gathering (environmentally safe) steam every year from people around the globe. Philadelphia has adopted the day as an important rallying cry for going green by offering opportunities to both admire nature and better conserve it. Whether volunteering, donating or simply appreciating the great outdoors, everyone can do something to celebrate Earth Day in 2013. Check out these local Philadelphia events and opportunities to start getting involved now.

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Saving Energy to Save Wildlife
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(610) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org

A visit to the Philadelphia Zoo provides the opportunity to enjoy Earth Day outside with the animals and educate the kids about "Saving Energy to Save Wildlife." This is the overall theme of the new children's zoo. Opening on April 13, 2013, focus on conservancy at the new children's addition, KidZooU: Hamilton Family Children's Zoo & Faris Family Education Center. The building itself employs geothermal wells to control temperature, rain gardens and green roofs. Besides the eco-conscious design of the indoor education center, it also features conservation stations and interactive exhibits to teach how recycling and simple energy-saving tips can help wildlife. Who knew that looking at cute animals on Earth Day could also teach kids how to go green at an early age?

Related: Best Wildlife Areas Around Philadelphia

Volunteer with Greensgrow
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.greensgrow.org

Date: April 22

Greensgrow Farms is teaming up with Subaru and Chipotle as well as community organizations to get out and "green" the neighborhood. Volunteers will be out and about planting and cleaning up in Kensington and Penn Treaty Park, among others. Bonus: Volunteers will be treated to lunch from Chipotle!

Lindsay Lewis is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.