Have Earth Day celebrations become too "commercial?"?

Question

It seems in order to draw the crowds that opportunities are being lost to dig hard into some of the serious issues of the day, particularly global climate change. Face painting and games are great entertainment, but I think the education is being lost in the shuffle.

Answer 1

I agree I don't know were the face painting fits in,its even funnier all the people that drive to these events.In our town the earth day events are free to all who ride their bikes to the events or take public transit ,it really focus's on renewable energy resources(wind,solar)and how to conserve energy.The games for the kids do relate to Earth Day but make it fun to learn.

Answer 2

As long as it gets the message across thats the main thing.

Answer 3

I get your point, but in order to get the information out there they sort of need to make it commercial, so it'll attract everyone.  We need to get it out there any way we can so more people will be willing to work things out.  Like celebrities, when teenagers see them "going green" they want to be like them so they adapt their habits.  It's as easy as that, they are trying to target everyone, and i am actually proud to say that this is getting publicized, everyone knows about the troubles are environment is facing and a lot of people are willing to do what it takes to make that change.  I'm 16 years old and I am doing all I can to change my habits for the environment. And I know those things are a lot of fun, but also I feel i have gotten some education out of those events too.

Answer 4

Every holiday has become too commercialized.

But maybe they think that these things attract people, and are easier ways to get the information out to people.

Answer 5

yes people are using earth day as a comercial on tv sometimes to get more people to watch tv.they use earth day to much for commercial reasons.

Answer 6

The release of 1000 balloons in observance of Earth week would make me gasp, and a Superbowl halftime show with dancers and musical entertainers would be a bit odd.

But otherwise, any positive attention to earth week is welcomed.

This is a week of respectful celebration, teaching, learning, loving and laboring and maybe a little mourning.

The Columbus Dispatch has a great article about our cities green initiatives. Not all gloss, though. Mentions strengths as well as weaknesses. Where we are and where we want to go.

Happy Earth week everyone!

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/con...

Answer 7

I would agree, in a sense, however I think that's really what we need to attract all of the "mainstream public" into taking action, educating themselves on options, and making changes.  

I know that when I hear something like a Green Festival that just happened in Seattle a couple weeks ago, I get excited at the prospect, but when I asked a lot of my friends about it, they kind of rolled their eyes or just didn't show a whole lot of interest.  Having call-outs that are a little more "commercial" and geared to the general public instead of people who are already interested or willing to take action is kind of the only way to go.  The people that are already ready and willing to make changes and sacrifices don't need Earth Day to inspire them and a lot of the people that do might not be inspired if there aren't enough specific "campaigns" geared towards them.