Rock the Green hosting 5th annual Milwaukee Earth Day Celebration

MILWAUKEE — (April 14, 2016) — This Earth Day, Rock the Green will host Milwaukee’s 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration to recognize environmental sustainability efforts occurring in Milwaukee. The near-zero waste event, which will feature a bicycle-powered stage, food trucks and live music, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 22 at the CityCenter, 735 N. Water St.

Mayor Tom Barrett, Matt Howard, Director of the Alliance for Water Stewardship at The Water Council, and Lindsay Stevens Gardner, founder of Rock the Green, will speak to environmental plans for the city at noon, including efforts to establish Milwaukee as a global water hub. This year’s Rock the Green music festival, returning Sept. 17 at Reed Street Yards, is collaborating with The Water Council with a revamped focus on freshwater conservation efforts.

“It’s our responsibility to protect and conserve this city’s natural resources, which makes recognizing Earth Day important for everyone,” said Barrett. “Working together, we can make Milwaukee a world class eco-city.”

The celebration will be held outdoors at the end of East Mason Street on the Riverwalk. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the covered valet of the CityCenter. The building received an Energy Star label from 2009–2013 for its operating efficiency and was awarded Silver LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2012.

Event highlights include a pedal-powered stage from cycling teams The Velo Femmes, Black Girls Do Bike and The Bella Donnas and live music by Milwaukee artist Evan Christian. This year’s celebration will also include food trucks YellowBellies and Hardwood Café. The event will also offer near-zero waste efforts including waste reclamation stations provided by Waste Management for recyclables, compostables and waste, as well as compostable serving ware provided by Patra Eco-Dinnerware.

“Rock the Green works to preserve our environment all year long, so there’s no better time to spark conversations about sustainability than Earth Day,” said Gardner. “Not only are we getting the city excited for our upcoming festival, but we’re sharing practical, everyday tips on how to be eco-friendly.”

The celebration will educate and empower attendees about the mission of Rock the Green and other local organizations focused on environmental efforts. Eco-education exhibitors include: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, WasteCap Resource Solutions, U.S. Green Building Council, CannedWater4Kids, Patra Eco-Dinnerware, Urban Ecology Center, Teens Grow Greens, Bublr Bikes, River Revitalization Foundation, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, ZipCar, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District, Sweet Water – Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Milwaukee Department of Public Works Recycling, Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, HOME GR/OWN, Milwaukee Shines and Milwaukee Energy Efficiency.

Earth Day sponsors include: Branigan Communications, Anthologie, Waste Management, 88Nine RadioMilwaukee, Yelp, Natural Awakenings Magazine and Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office.

About Rock the Green

Rock the Green is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering the community to take actionable steps to live sustainably. Rock the Green accomplishes its mission through engagement and entertainment. Leveraging near-zero waste efforts, Rock the Green produces engaging events with a feather-light eco-footprint. Rock the Green educates through example, through spotlighting other environmental leaders in communities and by sharing experiences and eco-education with our fans. Rock the Green draws people to its mission via a world-class music festival that showcases near-zero waste best practices at a large-scale event.