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The Academy of Natural Sciences

The concept of “Going Green” has begun to mutate like a virus and attach its disingenuous connotations to other, more well-meaning concepts. There is no better example of this concept than the buy local movement. Somehow, “Buy Local” became a slogan and now seems lumped in with all the other enviro-fads floating around our ears. But understanding your local environment is a great first step to thinking in a more environmentally friendly way and creating real change.

From buying local produce to supporting your neighborhood to simply understanding what might be living just below your sidewalk, thinking locally can help you sort out the problems facing your local ecosystem and understand your place in the solution. The people at the Academy of Natural Sciences are hitting two birds with one stone as they celebrate Earth Day while helping people get a better glimpse at their local environment.

Learn how to test your local stream for bacteria with pollution tests from Academy scientists, then check out the notorious snakehead fish from South Philly. Local fishing techniques will be on display as you can climb aboard a real fish-shocking boat and see how to test crabs for chemicals. The chemists and botanists at the Academy monitor the local environment daily. Be there when they bring their fish tanks and equipment out of the lab and share with visitors how they can be stewards of their local ecosystem.

Earth Day is a great time to take a stand against greenwashing, against the business agenda of “going green.” Learn the tips and tricks of making your environment the best it can be. Then you will really be going green.

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.ansp.org