Earth Day celebration hopes to stray from street fair image | Environment

We sat down with Jessica Anundson, one of the planners for this year’s Earth Day event planned for downtown Spokane. The April 21st event is growing up since the past few years of its existence.

New this year is a series of panels on issues that Anundson hopes brings a more educational aspect to the event, straying from the street fair image.

“We wanted to have a discussion of what sustainability is and what the community looks like, centering them around the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit,” Anundson said. “We’re going away from the hippie-centric. We want everyone to be able to participate.”

The panels will discuss the connection between farmers and local chefs, spirituality within the environment and gain economic and social equality in a panel called: “Power to the People.”

What topics do you think are a big deal in Spokane this year?

JA: “Coal trains are coming at a higher level with an even bigger economic toll... We’re continuing to clean up the Spokane River... We’re one of the biggest sprawled communities in the west. It’s not easy for people to ride their bike and walk everywhere. There’s long stretches of sprawl between businesses.”

“We’re focusing on corridors like Hillyard and South Perry. People don’t necessarily need to leave their neighborhood. It’s just more environmentally sound. We could say that about Browne’s Addition and the Garland District.”

How are you writing your Earth Day Proclamation this year compared to last years?

JA: “Luke Tolley is working with the city council to write it up. This year’s proclamation will include things about environment, social justice and about giving validation behind businesses that go green.”

Last year, Spokane County Commissioners cut a statement out of their proclamation upsetting bloggers and Earth Day planners. This year Anundson says they will not be doing a proclamation with the county - just the Spokane city council.

Earth Day is planned for Saturday, April 21st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While supplies last, there will be free tomato starts for visitors. The event will feature musical talent new to Earth Day this year including Folkinception and Citizen Arms. Find them on Facebook.