Earth Day Celebration
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This April 17-19, join the Green Apple Festival and Earth Day Network's 'Green Generation': participate in volunteer actions that help America's non-profits and cities restore our parks and natural areas, build green homes that save energy and money, create and nurture organic gardens, and more. Pick an action in an area of your interest or passion – or simply something you are curious to learn more about. Below are some questions that we are frequently asked about how to prepare for your part in America's largest Earth Day Action:
Green Apple Festival (GAF) – General
What is Green Apple Festival?
Now in its fourth year, the Green Apple Festival began in New York City as an environmental and music event and has grown to become the country's largest coordinated and interactive Festival dedicated to observing and preserving the environment. From its origins in 2006 as a New York City event, through last year's expansion to eight cities with an overall attendance of 200,000, organizers now will present an impactful series of community projects in ten cities to unite individuals, families and civic leaders in making greener life choices and stemming the tide of climate change.
What is the Green Apple Festival organization?
Green Apple Festival was founded by executive producer Peter Shapiro and Zenbu Media, a music media company. Since 2007, Green Apple Festival has worked closely in partnership with Earth Day Network.
What is Earth Day Network?
Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns. Our campaign and programs are predicated on the belief that an educated, energized population will take action to secure a healthy future for itself and its children. Earth Day Network has a global reach with a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.
When is Green Apple Festival?
Green Apple Festival is always the weekend before Earth Day (April 22). So in 2009, GAF is April 17-19.
Who can join in the Green Apple Festival?
Green Apple Festival's Green Apple Action Projects are generally open to individuals, families and groups aged 12 and older, though some events are open to younger children, and others (especially building projects involving use of dangerous tools) are restricted to those over 16 or 18. Please see the description of each volunteer action for age restrictions. Anyone under the age of 18 must have their parents/legal guardians sign them up to volunteer for a Green Apple Action Project. All those under 18 years of age must be accompanied to the event by a parent or guardian. Those over 18 must have valid proof of age when checking in at the Green Apple Action Project Volunteer Event site.
Don't see the answer to your question here? EMAIL GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL TEAM
Green Apple Festival (GAF) – Registration
Does it cost anything to sign-up and volunteer?
No. In fact, we're giving everyone who volunteers their time to GAF a green gift bag and free entry to a 'Thank You' concert!
Do you need to sign up in order to participate in the Green Apple Action Project Events?
Yes. We need volunteers to sign-up for their chosen action to ensure that we have enough staff and materials on hand to accommodate them. Therefore, there is a maximum number of volunteers that we can't exceed for each event. Once an event has reached its capacity, it will be closed to further sign-ups. If your event is full, please just sign up for another one – there is no waiting list, but there are plenty of impactful and fun events to choose from! Visit Planetgreen.com to sign up to volunteer
How can I participate in the Green Apple Festival?
Visit www.planetgreen.com's Green Apple Festival Volunteer Central to sign up for FREE for a Green Apple Festival volunteer action. Once signed up, participants will receive a confirmation email with more details on their event. Green blogs, articles and videos will provide you with tips about how greening your lifestyle not only benefits the environment, but can also save you money, and improve your health, safety, and quality of life!
What will I receive once I sign-up to participate in the Green Apple Festival?
Beginning April 2nd, you will receive an email from Green Apple Festival instructing you on how to prepare for your action, including time, location and special instructions (e.g., what to bring, what to expect in the event of rain, who to contact with questions, etc).
How will I know exactly where to go and when?
Once registered, beginning April 2nd, you will receive an email from the Green Apple Festival team instructing you on how to prepare for your action, including time, location, and special instructions (e.g..what to bring, what to expect in the event of rain, who to contact with questions, etc).
What is the deadline to volunteer for a GAF activity?
You have until Tuesday, April 14th at 11:30 p.m. to sign up to volunteer at a Green Apple Action Project, occurring April 17th -19th.
Can I participate in Green Apple Festival while nursing or pregnant?
As with any activity, we recommend that you seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.
Can I participate if I am physically disabled or have a medical condition?
Please view the Action descriptions and make your own best determination.
Can residents outside of the U.S participate in the Green Apple Festival?
The Green Apple Festival is designed for U.S. residents. We do encourage all individuals to go online to www.planetgreen.com, to explore our eco-oriented resources about living green, however we are not able to expand Green Apple Festival sign ups to residents outside of the U.S. due to various international rules and regulations.
Can I participate with a group of friends or family, or a group from work?
We encourage group participation. Participating as a group increases your positive impact on the planet, and helps to involve those who might not take this step on their own. We'd be thrilled to have your group! Just have each member of your group visit our volunteer database at PlanetGreen.com and register individually for the event you choose. Be sure to invite others to join you at your Green Apple Action Project, to help get them thinking about the how Earth Day solutions are also economic, health, and quality of life solutions – and to see how much fun volunteering can be!
Can I bring a friend who didn't sign up?
If you want to bring a friend, they must register for the action via our volunteer database at PlanetGreen.com. If the action is full, they can register for a separate action, but you cannot bring them, because our partners have specific capacities regarding how many volunteers they can accommodate.
I want my whole family to participate. Will the activities be geared towards children of all ages?
Please read the description of the actions in your city to find events with no or a low minimum age. It is suggested that caution be used involving children less than 12. Please note that childcare will not be provided.
Where do I go if I need to change/cancel my appointment?
We strongly encourage you to choose your event carefully, and to stick with what you choose. However, if you absolutely must change/cancel your appointment, please contact your action leader when you receive your detailed information update email about your event, in late March/Early April. Your action leader will send your change(s) to the appropriate action organizer.
The event I want to sign up for is full. What now? Is there a wait list?
There is not a waiting list. However, there are a myriad of other wonderful activities. Please choose another!
Are you going to give my contact information to anybody else?
When you sign up, your information is provided to Green Apple Festival and the non-profit organization or agency organizing your volunteer action, so that we may contact you with further information and updates. You will have the option to receive more information from our sponsors. If you don't opt in, you will not receive their emails.
Is my information confidential?
We value your privacy, so we keep your information private. When you sign up for Green Apple Festival, your personal information is not made available to other users. Except as described in our site's privacy policy or at the time we request the information, we do not otherwise use, share or otherwise disclose your personally identifiable information to any third parties. We encourage you to read our privacy policy for more information.
Don't see the answer to your question here? EMAIL GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL TEAM
Green Apple Festival (GAF) – Volunteer Action Events
There isn't a Green Apple Festival action in my city. What can I do?
PlanetGreen.com has many resources for finding out how best to volunteer in your community. Start by visiting our Green Guide to Volunteering where you can make a plan that's right for you.
I want to help! What do I have to do to volunteer?
Simply go to www.planetgreen.com to sign up for the Green Apple Festival volunteer action of your choice. In each city, you will have 10-20+ actions to choose from in various categories, from land to water, from conservation and restoration to green building, and from smart energy choices to zero waste – pick an action in an area of your interest or passion! Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Green Apple Festival, which will outline the volunteer action in more detail. Participants can choose to volunteer for one or more Green Apple Action Project volunteer events over the course of the weekend (assuming their times don't conflict). Volunteer spaces are available on a first come, first served basis and can only be secured via our volunteer sign-up system at www.planetgreen.com.
Where are the Green Apple Action Project volunteer events occurring in my market?
Please visit www.planetgreen.com to browse the Green Apple Festival volunteer signup system for locations of each event in your area.
How will I really be helping my community and our planet by volunteering for the Green Apple Action Project?
“This Earth Day, we are starting the Green Generation, a worldwide movement that everyone can join,” says Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network President. “The tough economic climate means that, more than ever, we have to plan a new green economy with a promising future for everyone. Earth Day will be a day to focus on moving away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal, and on job-creating investments in a sustainable lifestyle. These investments in a more sustainable and just world will mean a better future for all of us.”
How long will the volunteer action take? OR How many hours do I have to volunteer?
Individual volunteer projects will vary in the number of hours they will take. Please read about the action and the number of volunteer hours required prior to volunteering at the event.
What happens if the event I registered for is cancelled due to bad weather?
Most Green Apple Action Project volunteer events are rain or shine. They will only be cancelled in the event of dangerous weather conditions. When you receive your event info email from your Green Apple Festival volunteer action leader, the instructions will let you know what to expect if it rains. Some events are rain or shine, and in other cases, you will receive an email or call from your action leader with updated instructions the day before the action if rain is in the forecast. In the event of a cancellation, you will receive a call or email from your Green Apple Festival project organizer. All efforts will be made to give volunteers at least three hours notice of an event cancellation. If you do not hear from the event organizer, the event will still occur. The Thank You concerts will still be presented, rain or shine.
What do I need to bring to the action?
Beginning April 2nd, you will receive an email from your Green Apple Festival action leader, who will tell you all the details you need to know to prepare for your volunteer action. Some general tips: dress appropriately (e.g., for most work activities, long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended), bring sun-screen, bring ample water (in a re-fillable bottle, of course!), work gloves for outdoor conservation, restoration and construction actions.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Your volunteer action leader who sends you instructions – which will arrive in early April.
Will the Thank You concert be All Ages as my son/daughter is only 12 (or 11 or 10)?
Most are All Ages shows, but some are 18+ and Seattle is 21+. Private screenings of "green themed" documentaries will be offered for our younger guests and those who'd rather see a movie than a concert. We recommend ear plugs for young children who attend any of the all-ages concerts.
Will food and/or drinks be provided at my event?
When you receive your instructions from your volunteer action leader, this email will tell you what you need to bring. In most cases, you will need to bring your own food, beverages and snacks. We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle, and bring your lunch in a reusable or compostable, rather than disposable, container. Join with us in aiming for a Zero Waste Earth Day weekend!
Will there be anywhere I can lock up my personal belongings?
No, please keep them with you or, if you arrive by vehicle, leave them in the car. The volunteer event venue, the action organization and the Green Apple Festival and its partners cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.
What's the greenest way to travel to/from my event?
We strongly recommend the following:
- Choose an event that you can travel to by foot or bicycle
- Choose public transportation
- Carpool!
Don't see the answer to your question here? EMAIL GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL TEAM
Green Apple Festival (GAF) – Community Support
Is there a community support network?
To find support from an online community of green experts and people just like you who want to help make the world a better place, visit www.planetgreen.com. You can connect personally with these professionals and find support and information from a wide range of people who want to live a more eco-friendly life. Participating as a group increases your positive impact on the planet, and helps to involve those who might not take this step on their own. Be sure to invite others to join you at your Green Apple Action Project, to help get them thinking about the environment and the world around them, and see how much fun volunteering can be.
How do I register for a community?
Registration for community is separate from your registration for Green Apple Festival. You don't need to register until you are ready to start posting your own messages. When you do register you will be asked to create a unique username, and password for this process. Please choose your username cautiously. While Community is intended to provide support, you do need to protect your privacy. Have fun and choose something that reflects your personality. Additionally, please use a valid email address, as you will be sent an email confirmation for your registration. Simply click on the link we send you via email to start posting in the Green Apple Festival online community.
Don't see the answer to your question here? EMAIL GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL TEAM
Green Apple Festival (GAF) – Thank-You Concerts
Where are the Green Apple Festival Thank You concerts being held?
Please visit www.greenapplefestival.com and view your city page to find the name of your venue!
I am under 21, can I get into the club chosen for the Thank You concert?
Go to www.greenapplefestival.com for more information. A few of the clubs only allow entry of those 18 or 21 and over.
Who are the bands participating?
More information for bands participating is available at http://www.greenapplemusicfestival.com/volunteer.html
How do I get into the 'Thank You' concert, and what time does it start?
This will be based on your attendance at the volunteer action. Volunteers will sign in with your Green Apple Festival coordinator at the beginning of actions, when you'll also sign a short waiver before beginning work. When you complete the action, your name will be checked off for approval for the 'Thank You' Concert Guestlist and you will receive your gift bag. Once you arrive at the venue, you will need to provide a valid form of ID to get in. Click here to find out more about the dates and times of the Thank You concert in YOUR city http://www.greenapplemusicfestival.com.
Don't see the answer to your question here? EMAIL GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL TEAM
Green Apple Festival (GAF) – Earth Day on the National Mall
What is the Earth Day on the National Mall event?
Earth Day on the National Mall is a large-scale, free Earth Day Festival with live music, entertainment, speakers and environmental activities will take place on the National Mall in Washington DC on Sunday, April 19, 2009. This event is the Thank You concert for those participating in the Washington D.C.-area volunteer actions. This event is free and open to the general public. However, there will be a special VIP area cordoned off for those who volunteered in the Washington D.C. area. More info on Earth Day is available at www.earthday.net
Can I attend the Earth Day on the National Mall event if I don't volunteer for a Green Apple Action Project?
Why yes, as a matter of fact you can. But, there will be a number of Mall clean ups as a show of appreciation to this landmark park. Why not participate while there?
Will the Thank You concert be All Ages as my son/daughter is only 12 (or 11 or 10).
Most are All Ages shows, but some are 18+ and Seattle is 21+. Private screenings of "green themed" documentaries will be offered for our younger guests and those who'd rather see a movie than a concert. We recommend ear plugs for young children who attend an all-ages Thank You concert.
Will food and/or drinks be provided at my event?
When you receive your instructions from your volunteer action leader, this email will tell you what you need to bring. In most cases, you will need to bring your own food, beverages and snacks. We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle, and bring your lunch in a reusable or compostable, rather than disposable, container. Join with us in aiming for a Zero Waste Earth Day weekend!
Will there be anywhere I can lock up my personal belongings?
No, please keep them with you or, if you arrive by vehicle, leave them in the car. The volunteer event venue, the action organization and the Green Apple Festival and its partners cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.
What's the greenest way to travel to/from my event?
We strongly recommend the following:
- Choose an event that you can travel to by foot or bicycle
- Choose public transportation
- Carpool!
Don't see the answer to your question here? EMAIL GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL TEAM
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