How to Celebrate Earth Day 2022
Nature's Symphony
Ever wonder how Earth Day began?
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. Dealing with dangerously serious issues concerning toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides, an impressive 20 million Americans—10% of the population—ventured outdoors and protested together.
President Richard Nixon led the nation in creating the Environmental Protection Agency, which followed with successful laws including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
McConnell originally had chosen the spring equinox (March 20, 1970), but Nelson chose April 22, which ended up becoming the official celebration date. (Given that the date of the spring equinox changes over time, it may have made things more complicated to go with the astronomical event rather than just a calendar date.)
Today, not only is Earth Day a day meant to increase awareness of environmental problems, but it is also becoming a popular time for many communities to gather together to clean up litter, plant trees, or simply reflect on the beauty of nature. Further down the page, we’ve provided a list of activities and projects that you can do to improve your local environment!
How to celebrate Earth Day in the Bay Area
Gather on Valencia Street at Earth Day SF, as this is your launchpad for a renewed drive for change. Experience inspiration and get information in their Activism Zone, with a mix of enviro-speakers, non-profits, and a selection of vendors who focus on sustainability. There will be live music, a vegan chef’s showcase, and kid’s activities. Make this your day for a celebration of Mother Earth, for building your environmental awareness, and to enjoy the neighborhood fun.
When: April 23, 2022 11am-7pm
Where: Valencia Street, 19th-21st Street
Admission is FREE for all ages.
Vegan cuisine has come a long and tasty way. It’s a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Celebrate our planet by checking out one of the delicious vegan-friendly restaurants people love in San Mateo.
Want Earth Day Activities and Ideas on How to Celebrate Earth Day?
Support Our Pollinators!
- Learn about plants that attract butterflies and plants that attract hummingbirds.
- Plant native plants around your property. See a list of common native North American plants.
- When planting plant select continuous bloom throughout the growing season from spring to fall in order to attract insects from spring through fall
Clean Up Plastic in Your Neighborhood or Local Park
One of the best ways to connect with the Earth is through cleanups! Go on a walk with a trash bag and help to clean up any plastic that you find. Perhaps you know of a nearby ditch that is polluted with trash that needs a spring cleaning! You’ll start to realize that plastic permeates every aspect of our lives. But as the world wakes up to its addiction, just how easy is it to ditch plastic while growing and storing more of our own food? Don’t forget to recycle what plastic you can. See a Plastics Recycling Chart.
Swap Our Your Kitchen and Household Products!
Let’s talk about the cooking and cleaning products that touch the food we eat as well as our skin. One fantastic line of kitchen and household products is called “If You Care.” You can find them at Walmart and other places. Everything’s biodegradable and does not use chemicals or plastic. Think 100% recycled aluminum foil, chemical-free parchment paper for baking, compostable bags made with potato starch, and even vegetable-based inks for their packaging. We love the company’s motto: “We care simply because it’s the right thing to do!” Look for If You Care products next time you’re shopping
Conserve Water!
We waste a lot of water. Avoid overwatering your plants and improve their health by knowing how much your garden really needs. Avoid watering your garden vegetables and plants from overhead, which invites fungal disease. Water at the soil level.
If you are looking to go on a hike or a place to just walk around. Here are some of our favorite places.
- Edgewood Park is our favorite local hike
- Elizabeth Gamble Garden is a place we like to visit in Palo Alto
- Eaton Park
- Pulgas Water Temple
- Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
- Filoli Historic House & Garden
