Earth Day at Sahd's

The fifth annual free celebration of Earth Day will be held at Sahd Salvage, 1045 Lancaster Ave., Columbia, on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family-friendly event will showcase dozens of local organizations and their green innovations.


Those attending will have an opportunity to earn money by recycling aluminum cans. Everyone who brings aluminum cans to Sahd Salvage during the event will be given a special Earth Day price for the cans and will be entered into a random drawing for a $50 prize. In addition, the individual or organization that brings in the most cans will receive a $100 prize. There will also be a free opportunity to recycle metals, cardboard, glossy mail, and a two bag/box maximum of paper and secure documents to be shredded.

Children may enroll in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Passport program, in which they will play games and answer environment-related trivia questions at vendor booths. Children who complete the booklet will receive a free treat.

The event will also feature a Kids Activity Center with environmentally themed crafts, face painting, and an Earth Day themed story time. In addition, there will be an opportunity to compete in a recycled fitness course. Everyone is also invited to witness the Columbia and Reading Railroad locomotive. Tours of the recycling facility will take place at 9:45, 10:45, and 11:45 a.m.

More than 25 local businesses and community organizations will participate in the event, which is the most ever. Organizations representing all forms of environmental protection will be on display. Attendees will be given the opportunity to melt metal and create pendants from molds, sculpt "Earth Clay," and view green-friendly go-karts and innovative vehicles. There will be hands-on exhibits focusing on wind, solar, and geothermal energy; styrofoam recycling; and many other green activities.

An antiques and collectibles sale, which will be new to the event this year, will benefit Kenyan missions. An area radio station will broadcast its Kids Cookie Break Show live. Food from various businesses and vendors and bake sale items will be available to benefit the Columbia Food Bank. For more information, readers may call 684-8506 or visit recycleyourmetal.com.