Celebrating Earth Day by Turning Out Lights in Downtown SF:The Morning Show Interview

by Phil McIlrath, KDLT News
April 19, 2011 8:38 AM


This Friday is Earth Day; a day to put a few moments aside to help out the environment, or make a resolution to change your energy habits for the next year.

If you're a fan of the going green movement or are interest in how you can do your part to reducing your own carbon footprint, an event coming up this Thursday is sure to get folks in a conserving mood.

Tuesday morning, Jennifer Schmidtbauer, Vice President of Downtown Sioux Falls and Joe Heffron from the Sioux Falls Sustainability Department spoke with us about the "Downtown Lights Out" event and what we can do be better patrons of the earth.

"Downtown Lights Out" is Thursday, April 21st on Earth Day "Eve" from 5 PM - 8 PM. Many Downtown Sioux Falls businesses are turning down or turning off their lights to symbolize their commitment to energy conservation.

With the lights out, patrons will be able to take a lantern-lit stroll through downtown. The lanterns were made by locals in the community; they are lit by LED lights and are made from 100 percent recycled materials.

While residents take a stroll they can sample organic wines, attend an informative session on the Blood Run historic site, and learn more about the many sustainable products available at local, downtown businesses.

"Downtown Lights Out"
Thursday, April 21st
5 PM-8 PM
Downtown Sioux Falls
Free to the Public
www.siouxfalls.org/green