This Sunday, the 22nd annual Earth Day Festival in St. Louis will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Held just a few minutes from campus in Forest Park and the Muny’s grounds, the day’s free programming ranges from free massages, live music, freshly-made organic foods and crafts, to a costumed parade and even a “recycling extravaganza.”

Billed as the “oldest and largest Earth Day festival in the Midwest,” the event attracts more than 27,000 people each year. The grounds are divided into “themed neighborhoods” including Arts & Crafts, an Earth Day Cafe and the Farmer’s Market. More than 200 businesses and organizations will participate in this year’s celebration.

Locally crafted natural foods and beverages will be available to sample and purchase—from Schlafly’s Organic Rye Bock brews to healthy, organic fare from Schnuck’s grocery. The cafe’s lineup includes international foods, like Thai and Argentinian options, along with local favorites like Pi Pizzeria. Standouts include custom crepes, kettle corn and freshly-squeezed lemonade. All in all, the festival is host to more than 20 different food and beverage vendors. In addition, all options are free of trans-fat and high-fructose corn syrup.

Local musical and theatrical groups will perform throughout the day. An art area called “Think Outside the Box” will be open to all ages; here you can craft your own personalized recycling-themed container.

Attendees are also invited to partake in the “Earth Day Challenge” by bringing either a reusable bag or refillable water bottle, or using alternative transport to get to the event. Any attendee who meets two of the three criteria will win some eco-swag from the information booth.

This year’s theme, “Be The Change,” reflects one of the new events this year, an all-encompassing recycling program sponsored by the St. Louis Community College campus in Forest Park. The festival’s website claims you can bring in anything from art supplies to bicycles to be recycled (the full list is published online).

If feeling particularly festive, consider celebrating in costume. The “All Species Parade” kicks off the day’s festivities at 11 a.m. Program manager Jeanette Reynolds describes the event as a “collaboration between art and sustainability,” and a “celebration of all species.” Participation is open to the public, and an hour before the parade’s official start, individuals are “invited to express their love for all sorts of species” by crafting props and musical instruments from recycled materials at the Teachers’ Recycle Center.

There are still plenty of other ways to celebrate. The St. Louis Zoo will stage its own activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While many seem geared for the younger set, there are a variety of special “Keeper Chat” presentations scheduled throughout the day—on animals such as Komodo Dragons and the Children’s Zoo Alpacas (which, it should be noted, you’re actually allowed to touch). Other activities include the opportunity to learn to identify native frog calls, and a multitude of craft projects.

Forest Park’s Earth Day Festival is definitely worth the hype. If nothing else, it’s a welcome break from the countless hours of exam cramming.

Instead of spending tons of money on a professional facial from a spa, try some cheaper homemade options. (MCT Campus)

It’s almost summer vacation, and that means time for relaxation and self-evaluation. You don’t think you’ve done that badly this year, but know there’s always room for improvement. After patting yourself on the back for planting a tree this past Earth Day and trying to save the world, why not continue the trend and do something good for your body and style?

Now, I am not the biggest recycler or activist for many things green, but some of these ideas are really great and would help you save! The world of green fashion and do-it-yourself beauty is now bigger than ever. Many beauty producers and fashion designers are working alongside material scientists and nature activists to bring you the coolest, safest way to dress up and help out. Here are some ideas for ways to be eco-chic in summer 2009.

Green Beauty

Have you ever considered using items from your refrigerator on your face? Instead of spending $40 to $80 on a facial at the nearest spa, treat yourself to one that is homemade. If you have sensitive skin, consider an oatmeal or egg-yolk facial. If you are seeking a microdermabrasion-type facial, consider brown sugar. For those of you with dry skin, try a yogurt facial. Here are some recipes that you can try.

If you don’t consider yourself a food chemist, try products already developed by scientists, such as Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask or L’Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub, both featured in Elle Magazine’s May issue. After examining the ingredients for products found in beauty stores, I oftentimes find that I can probably make these items myself.

Green Fashion

Many designers, especially those featured in Ready-Made Magazine, are eco-conscious. While Stella McCartney is one of them, there are other lesser known green designers.

Initially, I wondered how designers could produce “environmentally friendly” clothing. Many of the items I wear are already made from cotton, which is found in nature, so it should be safe right? You’ve seen the feed bag tote bags around, but did you know Adidas has organic tees for working out?

Believe it or not, a great way to go green is through your gym clothes. French sportswear designer Sébola produced two lines consisting of 100 percent organic cotton and recycled polyester in 2008. Designer Doucette Duvall, who began creating new pieces from vintage fabrics, has even debuted some of its edgy collection on celebrities such as Rihanna and television shows such as “Gossip Girl” and the “Sex and the City” movie.

Yesterday’s Project Earth Day Eco Fashion Show in New York City featured young designers from around the area. With so many designer ideas that you can try on your own, it’s becoming more and more acceptable to be eco-conscious and still look great!