Earth Day festival focuses on children

When it comes to conservation and recycling, Janie LaGioia says she has learned just as much from her daughter as any other source.

They were on a shopping trip, for example, when her daughter pointed out Mom probably didn't want to buy a package of plastic foam plates.

This reverse education, in which a child teaches a parent, is something LaGioia hopes to pass along to other families who attend an Earth Day festival Saturday, April 17, in Glendale Heights.

The third annual Energy in Motion 5K Run/Walk and Earth Day Celebration begins at 8 a.m. at Camera Park near Fullerton Avenue and Bloomingdale Road. The event begins with on-site registration and a 5K run, followed by an educational walk at 10 a.m. that takes participants past nine booths with activities aimed at children and families.

The goal is to excite the children about conservation efforts and, in turn, have them ultimately share what they learn with their families.

"We learn from our children," said LaGioia, who serves as chairwoman of the Green Team of Glendale Heights. "This is perfect because the kids can bring it home."

When she was asked to join the Green Team, which promotes ecologically and environmentally friendly practices in the village, LaGioia said she was a relative novice compared to today.

She began educating herself through programs on conservation that included a green bus tour and visits to rooftop gardens.

"That inspired us to look at a lot of different sides of it that we never knew were there other than reducing waste and recycling," LaGioia said.

For Nicole Chesak, the village's recreational division manager, helping in the event is a way to get people out to the village's largest park. The run is in its first year and Chesak said she hopes it expands in years to come.

The $25 entry fee will go toward an after-school program offered by the village.

"As long as the sun is out, it's an enjoyable walk and run through the park," she said.

LaGioia said the celebration's focus on children also will open their eyes to how they can help the environment.

"It's important to reach out to our kids and explain to them that it is their future," LaGioia said. "Our kids are the ones who will benefit from this."