Our absolute favorite event of the summer is the biennial picnic and concert benefiting the Perfect Earth Project. It takes place in the beautiful environs of photographer Cindy Sherman’s backyard on Accabonac Harbor, and always features a VIP guest list (and also us).
Performers this year included Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Rufus Wainwright, Suzanne Vega, Jenni Muldaur, Teddy Thompson, and G.E. Smith. Those taking in the performances included Martha Stewart and her chows, Blythe Danner, Kyle MacLachlan, Kim Cattrall, and Isaac Mizrahi, who emceed.
So what is the Perfect Earth Project, anyway? Promoting toxin-free lawns in our fragile ecosystem; a cause that seems more pertinent each year as local waterways are poisoned by chemical runoffs. Its founder, landscape designer Edwina von Gal, challenged picnickers to think of their lawns in a different way. She said, "Are you walking across a toxic lawn to get to your organic vegetable garden? We’d like to offer you an alternative. If everyone stopped using chemicals on their lawn, we can save 225 million pounds of toxic pesticides going into your bodies and your water every year."
As always, a good cause and a good time.
- Perfect Earth Project [Official]