EarthFest 2012

Photo Credit: Earthdaycoalition.org

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
3900 Wildfire Way
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
(216) 661-6500
www.earthdaycoalition.org/

Hours: Sun, April 22 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $11 for adults/$8 for children ages 2 to 11.5 and younger free/free for RTA riders
Free parking at the zoo

Photo Credit: clevmetzoo.org

Cleveland’s 42nd EarthFest is designed to educate families about Earth-damaging and protecting behaviors to create a more eco-friendly world. Focusing on local and sustainable food this year, the event is expected to exceed last year’s 50,000 visitors with events about waste reduction, green home improvements and food sourcing.

Photo Credit:earthdaycoalition.org

Day-of Events
Walking vs Automobiles

Hours: 9 a.m. (walk scheduled to end when EarthFest begins)

Spend a little time at an educational demonstration to discuss the benefits of walking and/or biking verses driving a vehicle, from personal to environmental health. If walking or biking is not your thing, learn about the ways to ensure clean air and eco-friendly automobiles, and test drive these vehicles to experience the benefits of contributing to the clean air campaign.

Related: Nissan Building Plug-In Hybrid for 2015, 1.5 Million Electric Cars by 2017

Local and Organic Foods

An educational event discussing the benefits of eating local and organic, this event will leave you knowing exactly what manufacturers put in your food and the affects the ingredients and preservatives have on your body and your health. Speak with local farmers, support the local agricultural organizations, experience hyper-local restaurants, and learn about the benefits of eating organic.

Related: Best Vegetarian Spots in Cleveland

Photo Credit: Cleveland Zoo

Waste Reduction

Learn the ins and outs of recycling and waste reduction. If you are not a recycling fanatic, get a feel for why recycling paper, glass, steel, plastic, even clothing, matters so much. Let the kids participate in arts and crafts using recycled products, and learn about composting to reduce waste as well. Experts will urge drinking tap water rather than bottled water to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills as a first and easy step toward reducing waste, and explain the effect massive amounts of waste have on the environment and wildlife.

Green Home Improvements

Fill out a survey to receive information on a compact fluorescent light bulbs, and learn about other household items that can either be converted into eco-friendly appliances or rebates that are available to upgrade items around your home. Share ideas on how to save electricity and water, even collecting rainwater in barrels. Participate in Q&A sessions with experts and expect to leave with green home improvements any family could implement at any level.

Where to Stay
Stone Gables Bed and Breakfast
3806 Franklin Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
(877) 215-4326
www.stonegables.net

Price: $125 to $150
Hours: 3 p.m check-in; 12 p.m. check-out

Less than three miles from the Cleveland Zoo, Stone Gables promises a personalized lodging experience. Unlike a lot of bed and breakfasts, each room features a private bathroom. Stone Gables offers all of the modern amenities including WiFi and satellite televisions. Relax on the front parlor while listening to the grand piano or in bed while reading a book from its library. Breakfast is included in the price of the blue, red and yellow rooms and available by appointments only from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Additional fees for breakfast will apply for visitors lodging in one of the other rooms. Stone Gables Bed and Breakfast requests at least two weeks notice of your planned arrival, so book your room early.

Radisson Hotel Cleveland-Gateway
651 Huron Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(800) 967-9033
www.radisson.com/

Price: $103 to $139
Hours: 4 p.m. check-in; 11 a.m. check-out

If traditional lodging is more your style, 3.8 miles from the Cleveland Zoo, stay at the Radisson Hotel Gateway. This award-winning hotel is located in Historical Gateway within walking distance of the Towne City Mall and the House of Blues. Rooms are furnished with the usual essentials, with special touches including Sleep Number beds. This hotel also features free Internet with printers in its lobby. This hotel also houses a restaurant and bar that accommodate room service. It offer valet parking and shuttle services upon request to area events including EarthFest. Make your reservations early to ensure you get a room.

Dining
Hecks Cafe
2927 Bridge Ave.
Celveland, Ohio 44113
(216) 861-5464
www.heckcafe.com

Price: $5.50 to $15.97
Hours: Mon to Sat 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Located only minutes from the Cleveland Zoo, Heck’s Cafe sits across the Cuyahoga River in a charming historic building. It has been in business more than 40 years, plenty of time to perfect its delicious meals and customer service. Hecks Cafe is well known for its award-winning burgers, but it also offers other mouth-watering sandwiches, a variety of salads and a wide selection of brunch items such as eggs benedict, stuffed french toast, muffins and bagels. Feel free to skip the meal and take advantage of its full service bar and specialty coffees.

Recycling Centers in the Cleveland Area

River Recycling, Inc.
4195 Bradley Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
(216) 459-2100

Lakeside Scrap Metal, Inc.
8202 Broadway Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44105
(216) 341-8400

A&B Metal Recycling Company
3049 E. 55th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
(216) 883-8461

Tyroler Scrap Metals
5227 Sweeney Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
(216) 641-2535

Specialty Metals & Plastics
2966 E. 55th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
(216) 883-9114

Danielle Coots has been writing since 1996. She has published short stories and articles in many publications. Danielle loves being active in the community and providing quality information regarding current and upcoming events in the Cleveland area. She will be covering topics of travel & outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.