Bethesda, MD. 5.14.24 – Planet Maryland announces the return of its annual World Environment Week Festival at Elm Street Urban Park in Bethesda, MD, on June 2, 2024. Building on the success of previous events, this year’s festival promises an engaging lineup of speakers, interactive workshops, and exciting activities for all ages. The 2023 festival attracted 70 vendors and 4,000 attendees, not counting dogs, who were also invited.
The festival will feature an impressive roster of speakers who are leaders in the fields of sustainability, environmental activism, and climate-friendly living:
- Lisa DeCrescente (11:00 – 11:15): With over 30 years of event production experience and a background as a former restaurateur and executive chef, Lisa DeCrescente is dedicated to promoting vegan options in the culinary world. She is excited to bring the Planet Series Events to the DMV in 2024.
- Sailesh Rao (11:15 – 11:45): As the Founder and Executive Director of Climate Healers, Dr. Sailesh Rao is committed to healing the Earth’s climate. A systems engineer of Medicine and Health Sciences by profession, Dr. Rao is a passionate advocate for human, earth, and animal liberation.
- Eric Energy! (12:00 – 12:45): Join Eric on the main stage for an Interactive Science Spectacular, where he will conduct dynamic science experiments and engage the audience with his energy-infused demonstrations.
- Jane DeMarines (12:45 – 1:00): Award-winning executive and environmental advocate, Jane DeMarines is dedicated to advancing causes related to environmental conservation and green community development as the CEO of Climate Diet.
- Eric C Lindstrom (1:00 – 1:15): Author of “The Skeptical Vegan” and “Raising Vegan Kids,” Eric C Lindstrom is also the Executive Director of Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), working tirelessly to end the use of animals for food.
- Roxanne Becker, MD (1:30 – 2:00): Dr. Roxanne Becker, a medical doctor from South Africa, is on a mission to promote a plant-based diet to reduce preventable diseases and improve people’s quality of life.
- Javier Starks & Jonah Goldman (2:30 – 3:00): Educator, athlete, and emcee Javier Starks joins Jonah Goldman, Co-Founder of PLNT Burger, to discuss sustainable practices and promote positive messages through their work.
- Sisters Serving You (SSU) (3:00 – 3:30): The Comedy Kitchen stylings of Sisters Serving You (SSU) will demonstrate how easy and fun plant-based cooking can be, featuring Chef Ashanta and Cikethia.
- Congressman Jamie Raskin (3:30 – 4:00): Congressman Jamie Raskin, representing Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, will share his advocacy for a plant-based diet and encourage others to make kinder, greener, and healthier food choices.
In addition to these inspiring speakers, attendees can look forward to interactive workshops, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of food and product vendors offering delicious food and eco-friendly products.
“We are excited to welcome the community to Elm Street Urban Park for another empowering environmental festival as the U.S., & other nations celebrate World Environment Day this week,” said Eric Lindstrom, FARM Executive Director and coordinator of Planet Maryland. “This event provides a platform for individuals to learn, connect, and embrace sustainable living practices that benefit both our health and the planet.”
The Planet Maryland Festival will take place on June 2, 2024, at Elm Street Urban Park in Bethesda, MD. Admission is free. For more information go to www.planetmaryland.org. World Environment Day is celebrated Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
For media inquiries, please contact: Jane DeMarines, [email protected], (202-997-8785) Interviews with speakers can be arranged.
