HAPPY EARTH DAY

jjd Today is the 35th annual Earth Day. Of all the things we've accomplished since then, unleaded fuel, no more lead in paint, recycling, preservation of rainforests and wildlife refuges, etc., we don't seem to have done enough. At this point in time, with this administration, we've gone from slow progression to reverse. That's not a good thing.

But, on the upside, in Chicago anyway; there are a number of informational events the Earth Day weekend.

• Recycled batteries -- On Saturday the city will launch its first permanent battery-recycling program with dropoff sites at all Chicago Public Library branches and Walgreen stores in Chicago.
• Animals and nature -- Brookfield Zoo's Earth Day events include -- an Environmental Fair, a tree-planting ceremony, zoo chats with keepers and other staff; a tour of the zoo's state-of-the-art and odor-free compost facility; lessons on invasive plant species and bird-watching.
• Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland -- includes educational activities, guided hikes, exhibits and puppet shows.

Other activities are at the Shore Bank downtown, presenting a Green Building exhibit. The Morton Arboretum will host an Earth Day recycling event. Notebaert Nature Museum will have a month's long environmental family activities.

In 1992 the EPA started a voluntary rating program to identify and promote energy-efficient computers called Energy Star. Now it rates a number of household appliances from refrigerators to light bulbs. Check it out at www.energystar.gov .

Also check out www.charitybuzz.com