CLARKS SUMMIT — For the owners of Everything Natural, 426 S. State St., April 22 is more than just another day. That date, which is Earth Day, is a representation of what the store is all about, encompassing its mission since it opened more than 30 years ago.

“Earth Day is a beacon holiday to us,” said co-owner Barry Kaplan.

The business will celebrate the following day by hosting its annual Earth Day Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at the shop. The free event will serve to educate, entertain and assist community members of all ages, through a variety of activities, giveaways and samples.

Live music will be provided by local musicians Tom Rogo and Julian Sparacino. A kids’ craft corner with face painting and story time will begin at 11:30 a.m. A “Closer to the Source” food demonstration will provide attendees with instruction on how to make fresh organic juices and smoothies, with free samples. Other organic food samples, kombucha tea from Clarks Cultures, an interactive education table, a grab bag giveaway and more will help round out the event.

In conjunction with the open house, Everything Natural will also host a medication take-back event the same day, sponsored by the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Voluntary Action Center, with assistance from the borough police department. People can bring in their expired or unused medications and supplements to be responsibly disposed. No needles, inhalers or liquid medications will be accepted. A police officer will be present to ensure all prescription medications are handled properly.

Kaplan said importance of the medication take back is twofold: First, it helps to keep the drugs out of the hands of people who may get hurt by them, and second, it helps the environment by keeping them out of the landfills and drinking water.

“Our water filtration systems aren’t made to handle medications and drugs,” he explained, adding many people still throw their unused prescriptions in the trash or down the drain, resulting in a “toxic soup.”

For more information about the Earth Day Open House, visit bit.ly/1qWt7Ga.

Kaplan
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ABJ-Kaplan.jpg.optimal.jpgKaplan

By Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal.