Local charity Greennovate are celebrating the upcoming Earth Day with a host of family events. Schuyler Olsson tells us more.

City Weekend: What does Greennovate do?

Schuyler Olsson: Based in Shanghai, Greennovate is a social enterprise established in 2007 that develops ideas for a sustainable future. We focus on environmental awareness and sustainable development for businesses and communities in China. We are the founders of two non-profit initiatives: GECKO (that’s Greennovate Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach) for high schools (www.greennovate.org) and MaGiC (Made Green in China) for universities (http://en.joinmagic.org).

CW: What is Earth Day?

SO: The first Earth Day in 1970 grew out of the grassroots environmental movements of the late ’60s. Earth day is an opportunity to celebrate that we are all citizens of this planet, no matter what our heritage, and recognize that protecting our environment is a kind of global patriotism. Shanghai’s multinational character makes it an ideal place to bring people from all over the world together on Earth Day.

CW: What activities is Greennovate planning this year?

SO: For the third year running, Greennovate will hold an exciting Earth Day event on April 22nd. This year’s theme will be DIY–Do it Yourself. We’ve gathered some of Shanghai’s brightest environmental and artistic minds to share some great ways to integrate cool green ideas into your everyday routine to develop a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. There will be a fashion show, a concert and more.

CW: What’s the single most important change we can all make to improve the prospects for the planet?

SO: Educate yourself, take action on what you learn and spread your knowledge to everyone you know. You’ll be surprised as to what one person can achieve.

Greennovate’s Earth Day at the Creative Space, 528 Kangding Lu, 6-10pm. Free. www.earthday.greennovate.net