GEI Hosts Earth Day Fair

On Earth Day (April 22) thousands marched in support of science in several cities like Washington DC and London, while parades and fairs occupied parks in cities including Vancouver and Tokyo.

“March for Science” in Washington DC- Jay Blakesberg/EARTH DAY NETWORK

“March for Science” at Hibiya Park, Tokyo – @SciMarchTokyo/Twitter

China’s capital donned its most festive apparel just in time for Earth Day, with blue skies, green trees, and pink buds abounding.

Taking advantage of the excellent weather and celebrating Beijing’s active environmentalism, GEI hosted its first ever public Earth Day Fair!

A Day about the Earth

With a vision to encourage Beijingers of all ages to get “back down to Earth,” GEI enlisted the powerhouse environmental group, Beijing Energy Network, and the city’s favorite bookshop and event venue, The Bookworm Beijing, to cohost the Earth Day Fair.

Kids young and old participated in the crafts – GEI 2017

Over 200 Beijingers, including children and families as well as young professionals and older China-hands, joined us for an afternoon of learning, crafting, eating and drinking local foods, all in the spirit of appreciating nature and raising awareness of environmental challenges.

Friends enjoyed reconnecting with nature at Earth Day – GEI 2017

A Day of Awareness-Building, Craft, and Food

The day featured a coffeehouse-style of experts sharing 15-minute presentation on environmental issues and their work in related areas. Upstairs on the rooftop was bustling with local and delicious foods and drinks and an eco-friendly craft zone.

GEI’s Yunzhu Chen gives her presentation at the Coffee House – BWYA 2017

A craft zone on the roof for decorating rocks and pots for mint plants. Many kids and adults, alike, enjoyed painting pots for their newly potted mint plants.

Mother and Daughter enjoyed the crafts at Earth Day – GEI 2017

A fair of three delicious locally sourced food & drink establishments in Beijing. Our three vendors were Rager Pie, Farm to Neighbors, and Juice by Melissa.

Erica, the leader of Farm to Neighbors Market, brought delicious snacks to the Fair – GEI 2017

A Day about Our Future

Students from Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA, 北京世青国际学校) volunteered their time to ensure the event went off without a hitch.

BWYA students helped the young participants with the potted plant craft – BWYA 2017

During the Earth Day Fair, GEI had the distinct pleasure to express our gratitude to the BWYA students who organized the Recycled Fashion Show, which benefited our project in Qinghai. These talented students each received a special small purse from the Qinghai crafts cooperative and a letter of appreciation signed by GEI Executive Director Jiaman Jin.

GEI’s Kendall (fourth from left), Yunzhu, Joyce, Nuo and Mengyao (from center to right) with the BWYA students – GEI 2017

Earth Day 2017’s Campaign is Environmental & Climate Literacy. From these students, we seemingly see the future about environmental protection.

Many thanks to everyone who joined us on Saturday! We hope that by meeting environmental experts and revisiting the nature that outside our urban lives, we all will be guardians of the planet throughout the year.