Your green persona might find some kindred spirits at Yoyogi Park this weekend.
"Earth Day Tokyo 2010" starts April 17, prior to the actual Earth Day on April 22. While the worldwide event's objective is to increase awareness of environmental issues and help to create a sustainable society, this year's Tokyo festivities take on a hippie-ish tone by celebrating love and world peace.
The core project is a "NPO village" where individuals, groups and enterprises introduce their ideas for creating an eco-friendly society. It is also a good opportunity to find volunteer positions and seek personal advice from experts.
This year's event focuses on energy, food and agriculture. The main Yoyogi Park site uses natural forms of energy, such as solar and hydrogen, as well as bio-diesel recycled from used tempura oil.
Twenty-four restaurants will host food stands to promote healthy eating with emphasis on local production, seasonal produce and foods without GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
To cut down on garbage, event organizers request that you bring your own plates and bottles unless you want to pay ¥50 to use re-used dishes. You can wash your dishes with water warmed by a solar heater.
This event, whose president is Japan Times nature columnist C.W. Nicol, takes place in various locations including Yoyogi Park, Omotesando and Harajuku.
"Earth Day Tokyo 2010" will be held April 17-18 at Yoyogi Park and other locations (events will be held outside April 17-18 as well). For details, visit www.earthday-tokyo.org/