Earth Day in Orlando
The health of your feet is a microcosm of the health of your entire body – and this is, in a way, much like our environment. See, if you don’t care for your feet and address problems as they arise, your overall health can suffer. In the same spirit, if we don’t take measures to reduce our reliance on disposable plastics, for example, it can lead to environmental catastrophes for our planet.
With regards to your personal health, we try to do our part by being a resource to provide the care you need, when you need it. If you ever have any foot or ankle problems, contact us and come see one of our team members at any of our Central Florida offices.
Many people worldwide are trying to do their part with regards to a more sustainable earth by taking action and making lifestyle changes. Keeping that in mind, Earth Day 2018 is right around the corner now.
We love our local communities and want to see them as healthy and strong as possible (just like we want to see that for you!).
In Orlando and neighboring cities, there are some local events being held in conjunction with Earth Day 2018. We want to discuss them, so you know your options—in case you want to participate—but let’s start with just a quick look at how this global holiday came to be.
A Brief History of Earth Day
After witnessing the horrific effects of a massive oil spill that happened in Santa Barbara, CA back in 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (WI) was struck with the idea for a national day to focus on the environment.
Nelson was inspired by student involvement in the anti-war movement happening at the time. He felt that if that kind of energy could be infused in the public consciousness regarding the dangers of air and water pollution, environmental protection would be forced onto the national political agenda.
As it turns out, Nelson was right.
April 22 was initially chosen as the date for Earth Day because it fell between Spring Break and Final Exams, thereby increasing the likelihood more students would be able to get involved.
On the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million Americans participated in nationwide demonstrations calling for a healthy, sustainable environment.
Particularly noteworthy of that initial Earth Day is the fact it was supported by people of all walks of life and political ideologies. Rich and poor, urban residents and farmers, business tycoons and labor leaders, and Republicans and Democrats alike made it known that the protection of our natural resources was a national priority.
In response, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were all passed, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established.
Whereas this was initially a domestic event, in 1990 Earth Day went global. Hundreds of millions of people from across the world participated – and still do to this day.
Central Florida Earth Day
When it comes to Earth Day activities in the greater Orlando area, the biggest and most well-known is Central Florida Earth Day – which is being held on Saturday, April 21 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Lake Eola Park.
As you might imagine, the festival contains many different environmental-focused events and activities, including:
- Speakers and Presentations – Seven unique environmental panels provide the opportunity to hear from “an inspiring group of leaders and visionaries” as they discuss wide-ranging environmental issues pertinent to our community (and beyond!).
- Food Preparation Demonstrations – A major consideration for a sustainable environment is the food we consume. To that end, you can attend any of the eco-friendly, vegan food preparation demonstrations being held throughout the day.
- Earth Kids Zone – Children are the future stewards of our planet, and this is a great way to encourage their environmental education via fun, interactive activities. Active children are more likely to be healthy children, so make sure you bring your sons and daughters to the 4:00 Kids Yoga session!
- Endangered Species Puppet Parades – IBEX Puppetry hosts the interactive puppet parades to educate people of all ages about endangered species in a fun way. Families build their own puppets (with assistance from IBEX puppet builders) and are then invited to march in any of the day’s four parades.
- Yoga Classes and Demos – These classes run half-an-hour and are great for beginners. No need to worry if you don’t own a yoga mat, as these will be provided for those who don’t have them. Do make sure you wear comfortable, light, and breathable clothing, though. Remember, yoga is a wonderful low-impact activity you may want to incorporate into your normal fitness program (to reduce stress on your lower limbs).
- Nature Walks – Festival attendees have the opportunity to observe our local environment and species up close. Orange Audubon Society bird experts guide the way and will answer questions you and your children might have about swans and native birds found on and around Lake Eola. These 15-20 walks debark on the hour starting at 11:00 AM, with the last one at 5:00 PM.
Additionally, there will be exhibits, vendors, music, and so many more activities. For more information, be sure to check out the event's website.
(Central Florida Earth Day 2018 is presented by Vegetarians of Central Florida and supported by Orlando Weekly, IBEX Puppetry, Orlando Downtown Development Board, Green Works Orlando, Magic 107.7, Orlando Utilities Commission, and many other businesses and organizations.)
Other Local Earth Day Events and Activities
The second-largest Earth Day celebration in the greater Orlando area—EarthFest—is being held in Casselberry one week after Central Florida Earth Day 2018.
Between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on April 28, you can bring your family to Lake Concord Park for eco-fun activities, live entertainment, educational presentations and workshops, and various giveaways. Admission to the event is free and general parking is available at Home Depot, Target, and the Fifth Third Bank.
(Even better, though, is to walk or bike – if you live within a reasonable range of the park.)
EarthFest 2018 is sponsored by the City of Casselberry, Casselberry Friends of the Park, and Keep Seminole Beautiful.
One more local festival put on in conjunction with the environmental holiday is Winter Park’s Earth Day in the Park. Held on April 15 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Central Park, the ceremonial events include a Mayoral welcome and award presentation for the Winter Park Green School Grant.
In addition to ceremonies on the main stage, there will be live music, art projects and contest, a kid’s zone (featuring various games), yoga for adults and children, food and beverage vendors, and so much more!
This festival is being presented by Winter Park’s Sustainability Program, Urban Forestry Division, and Keep Winter Park Beautiful.
For more information, either call 407-599-3364 or keep an eye on the event's webpage.
One Planet, One Body
In the same way that we only have one planet and need to take care of it, you only have one body. It is your responsibility to take care of it – but this doesn’t mean you’re alone!
Our team is here for you whenever foot or ankle problems arise. Contact us and request an appointment with any of our Central Florida locations if you are suffering from pain or are unable to perform normal activities.
We will be happy to assess the situation, determine an accurate diagnosis, and then create a customized treatment plan to resolve the problem for you.
Call us at 407-339-7759 or 352-589-9550 (if calling from Lake County) or take advantage of our online form to contact us right now!
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Upperline Health Florida provides the highest quality integrated lower extremity care to patients in need through a skilled and compassionate team. We strive to deliver care in a consistent and high-quality manner.
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