April 22, 2018
EARTHx (formerly Earth Day Texas) has created the world’s largest annual forum for sharing the latest initiatives, discoveries, research, innovations, policies, and corporate practices that are reshaping our world.
This three-day, free event is held in April to celebrate progress, hope, and innovation and is the largest event in the world of its kind. EARTHx brings together environmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, speakers, interactive programming, and subject matter experts. The event creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for thought and experiential learning while encouraging attendees to be the change they wish to see in the world.
In 2017, EARTHx hosted more than 100,000 attendees, over 900 exhibitors, and 260 speakers. This year’s event, held April 20-22, at Fair Park, included a booth featuring Lakehill Preparatory School. The annual festival seeks to elevate environmental awareness and change the way North Texans think, live, and work. This is the seventh year that Lakehill has been featured. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Lakehill’s booth, educating others about sound environmental practices.
Visitors had a variety of activities available to them at our booth. They could paint silicone fish and leaves that they rolled paint onto and used to create colorful prints. Herbarium and insect collections that were created by second and third grade students were also showcased. Lakehill students in AP Environmental Science class showcased a variety of environmentally friendly projects.
A worm compost bin was available to teach visitors about the benefits of worm composting, but I avoided that activity. I was comfortable, however, engaging visitors in a fun matching game to teach about the amount of time it takes different materials to break down in a landfill.
Hundreds of volunteers give their time and talents each year to EarthX. Volunteers will help attendees engage in hands-on activities that teach children how to make a difference through science play or encourage adults to explore the many exhibits to learn what innovations are available today and ideas for a sustainable future.
Every volunteer needs to fill out an online application and e-sign a waiver before being allowed to volunteer.
