April 15, 2014 > Going green together
Going green together
From San Francisco, Texas, and Ohio to Albania, Kuwait and the Bahamas, millions of people in 190 countries will come together to make our world a better place in celebration of Earth Day. 2014s global theme is Green Cities, focusing on the need to reform our cities with cleaner vehicles, building efficiency, clean energy and other green options to cut down on pollution and waste and create a sustainable future.
Whether in the city or the country, by engaging in a big community effort or a small personal action, Earth Day is an opportunity to help preserve our beautiful land and its resources. Although officially, Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22, community groups and organizations will host a variety of educational events and volunteer options over the next two weekends.
Of course, striving to create a better planet and living environment takes daily contributions, and doing your part might be easier than you think. Change regular light bulbs to new compact fluorescent bulbs; recycle paper goods, food scraps, glass and plastic containers; use environmentally-friendly disposable diapers or cloth; hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer; take public transportation; plant a tree; take shorter showers; turn off lights when leaving the room; invest in a reusable cup for your daily hot beverage; use matches instead of lighters (choose cardboard instead of wood, which are made from recycled paper); donate unwanted items to charitable organizations or others in need; pay your bills online; and use rechargeable batteries.
These are just a small portion of the easy changes that can be adopted in every-day life; several other alternatives can be found online or by attending an educational Earth Day event, such as FremontÕs annual Earth Day fair or Oakland ZooÕs ÒParty for the PlanetÓ
Environmental awareness and action is the responsibility of all who call Earth their home. Make sure youÕre doing your part to ensure that the beauty and resources of our planet continue to sustain us and the generations to come.
Local Earth Day events:
Join Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge and Save the Bay for their annual Earth Day Cleanup. Provide much needed water to plants, as well as remove trash and weeds at locations in Oakland and Palo Alto. Reservations are required.
Earth Day Cleanup
Saturday, Apr 19
9 a.m. - noon
(510) 792-0222 ext. 141
Spend Earth Day in the great outdoors. Do you need to fulfill community service requirements? Or would you just like to come lend a hand? Come help in our native plant garden by removing non-native plants, pruning, mulching, or conducting various other jobs that help protect wildlife and clean up our gardens. It's a great service project for groups and individuals. Bring your own gloves or borrow a pair of ours. Tools are provided. Dress in layers and bring water and sunscreen. Be prepared to get dirty! Ages 9 and up. Participants 18 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone. Call Julie for reservations at (408) 262-5513 ext. 104.
Earth Day Community Service
Saturday, Apr 19
10 a.m. Ð noon
Environmental Education Center
1751 Grand Blvd, Alviso
408-262-5513 ext. 104
Make changes to conserve, protect and sustain our planet at ÒReduce, Reuse, RecycleÓ at Coyote Hills. Learn about the care of our precious earth, enjoy family fun while creating your own litter bug craft, view an environmental puppet show (11:40 a.m. and 3:40 p.m.) and play recycling games.
Earth Day: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Saturday, Apr 19
9:30 a.m. Ð noon & 1:30 p.m. Ð 4:00 p.m.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont
Parking Fee: $5
In celebration of Earth Day, the Oakland Zoo offers the chance to explore more than fifty Earth Stations and demonstrations that offer hands-on fun and educational adventures. Visit with dozens of local environmental non-profit organizations, get your face painted, observe beautiful animals, and marvel at a show by Trapeze Arts of West Oakland. Be inspired by Oakland ZooÕs Quarters for Conservation program. When people and animals learn to live together sustainably, it is a true party for the planet. This Earth Day event is included with regular admission. Plus, recycle an old cell phone and receive a free train ride.
Party for the Planet
Saturday, Apr 19
10 a.m. Ð 3 p.m.
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland
(510) 632-9525 ext. 122
Admission: $15.75 adults, $11.75 seniors (65-79, 80+ free), $11.75 kids, kids under two are free
Parking fee: $8
Meet with eco-friendly experts and learn new ways to go green when Washington Hospital and the City of Fremont host an Earth Day fair, ÒLetÕs Go Green Together!Ó on Saturday, April 26. Discover more about recycling and waste reduction, saving energy at home, eco-friendly gardening and composting, local sustainability programs and healthy eating. There will be a free residential drop-off for syringes and needles; confidential documents for shredding; unused, unwanted medication; mercury thermometer exchange; and eyeglasses donation.
Kids can participate in eco-tainment, face painting, art, and other games and activities. The East Bay Bike Coalition will also be hosting Bicycle Rodeo, a fun and interactive lesson on road awareness and safety skills for parents and kids of all ages. Learn about proper helmet fitting, signaling and communication, crossing intersections and more. Bikes and helmets will be provided. For more details and optional registration, visit www.EBBC.org/education#Rodeo.
LetÕs Go Green Together!
Saturday, Apr 26
11 a.m. Ð 3 p.m.
Conrad E. Anderson, MD Auditorium (Washington West)
2500 Mowry Ave, Fremont
To learn more about Earth Day programs and how you can take action, visit http://www.earthday.org/.