Earth Day is a time to focus on the health of our planet-all the more serious this year with the release of the United Nations Climate Change 2014 report. Even with such a sobering report, it can also be a time to enjoy the day, according to Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group.
 
"Industry leaders can find ways to turn the day into a party to help remember Earth Day 2014 as well as appreciate and protect our fragile planet," says Ashkin. "The best leaders exemplify and embody the right attitude, commitment, effort, and knowledge. They develop strategies and plans and are often out front, blazing the trail to make it easier for others to follow."
 
Because of this, Ashkin encourages leaders to celebrate Earth Day by doing something fun, interesting, and educational with their family, friends, and work colleagues in honor of the day.
 
Accordingly, he suggests the following party strategy:
 
Food: Consider asking your guests to bring a dish made of locally grown or produced meats, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables-and, yes, even locally produced juices, sodas, beers, and wines.
 
Activity: Show a short video. One of my favorites is on YouTube from my friend Jason Clay who runs World Wildlife Fund's food program. Others include videos from Ray Anderson, the founder of Interface, and Annie Leonard's Story of Stuff or Story of Change. Each are less than 20 minutes, interesting, and enjoyable to watch.
 
Attire: Break out your old tie-dyed, flowered, Hawaiian, or hemp shirt (everyone needs at least one hemp shirt). Let your guests know that there will be prizes for the best "Green" outfit.
 
Entertainment: I live in a college town, and it is amazing how easy and inexpensive it is to hire local performers to entertain at a party who are thrilled to have the chance to perform.
 
"The bottom line: Have fun, take lots of pictures, and make Earth Day 2014 the most memorable Earth Day ever," Ashkin adds.
 
If you would like to submit Your Earth Day Party Images to The Ashkin Group Facebook Site, please do so here.