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Business & Tech

Patch Picks: Earth Day

Check out these local environmentally based events and ways to do your part to commit to a greener lifestyle.

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Earth Day falls on Friday, April 22. This year’s theme from the Earth Day Network is “A Billion Acts of Green,” a call for people to join together and pledge even a small commitment to the Earth and the environment. So far, the network’s website has recorded these top five pledges from visitors:

  • Plant a garden at school or home
  • Organize an Earth Day Event
  • Change out my light bulbs to be more energy-efficient
  • Eliminate the use of pesticides and toxic cleaning products
  • Eat more locally grown food

Here’s how you can work toward those goals, as well as attend other Earth Day events in our area.

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  • Reduce your trash with reusable mugs or tumblers -- and get free brewed coffee or tea, hot or iced, at Starbucks Coffee, 502 E. Hillsborough Ave., on Friday. The is open from 4:30am to 3:15am. If you don’t have a travel mug, you can pick up one there on Friday for 20% off. 
  • For gardening tips and locally grown food, head for the at 407 W. Violet St. Normally open on mornings and Saturdays, the garden is hosting a “Breakfast in the Garden” on Saturday, April 23, from 9am to 11am. Organizers are inviting everyone to “bring your music and chairs and relax for a spell in the place we built just for us!”
  • For tips on how to conserve energy and water at home, and make your home more energy-efficient, visit the ’s how-to project guide for videos, or the store at 8815 N. Florida Ave., 813-933-0302. Hours: Mon - Sat, 6am - 10pm; Sun, 8am - 8pm.
  • Although not in Seminole Heights, Lowe’s stores also offer energy-saving tips and products for the home -- and in honor of Earth Day, the stores are giving out free trees to customers while supplies last on Saturday, April 23.
  • More Earth Day giveaways can be found at Evos in South Tampa or at Westshore Plaza, and at the Disney Store. On Friday from 10am to Noon, Evos is giving away free milkshakes. Also on Friday, the Disney Store will give each customer one reusable tote in exchange for five plastic shopping bags.
  • For more gardening advice, the Seminole Heights Branch Library on Monday, April 25, at 6:30pm, hosts Master Gardener Virginia Overstreet discussing several high-color, low-maintenance plants and flowers for the home garden. Admission is free. 4711 N Central Ave., 813-744-5519.
  • For additional ideas on how to connect with the environment, head to the Lowry Park Zoo or to the USF Botanical Gardens on Saturday, April 23. Included with zoo admission, the zoo at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. is offering “Enrichment Day/Earth Day/Party for the Planet” from 9:30am to 5pm featuring educational exhibits, animal-enrichment activities, and conservation ideas. Meanwhile, the botanical gardens at 12210 USF Pine Drive hosts 2011 Earth Day Tampa Bay, the 41st Earth Day Tampa Bay celebration. Exhibitors, demonstrations, arts and crafts, food, live music, children’s activities and community groups will be on hand to help local residents “create a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.” Admission and parking are free; hours are 10am to 5pm.
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