Earth Day is celebrated annually to acknowledge and honor the environmental movement’s achievements, raise awareness about issues important to Earth’s health, and inspire action toward sustainability and stewardship.

It reminds us of our responsibility to protect the planet and encourages communities to work together towards a common goal. Celebrating Earth Day every day can inspire meaningful action toward creating a more sustainable future.

While our planet’s health is a worldwide concern, we must recognize how to help our local communities’ environment. A big ‘first step’ in this process is to gain knowledge of local environmental challenges and solutions specific to our region. We can significantly impact our planet’s health and sustainability by taking grassroots action, starting with the places we call home.

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day locally, every day. Here are a few ideas:

1. Celebrate Earth Day Santa Cruz on April 22, 2023, at this multi-site event in Santa Cruz. This free, family-friendly community celebration promotes environmental stewardship, healthy living, sustainability, and protection of our planet. Look for the Valley Women’s Club Environmental Committee’s booth at San Lorenzo Park behind the Paradox Hotel. See displays, information on various environmental topics, and hands-on activities, including planting native seeds. Join in to learn about and show your support for environmental causes. 
2. Volunteer for a community clean-up event or other environmental projects. Since 1986, the Valley Women’s Club has organized and sponsored an Annual SLV River & Road Clean Up. Volunteers gather in September to remove trash and recycling from our rivers and roads throughout the San Lorenzo Valley. 
3. Participate in native habitat restoration projects! Help preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change by planting native plants and improving local ecosystems. Learn more at SLV Native Habitat Restoration.
4. Plant trees or a community garden: Consider planting native trees and other plants or starting a community garden to improve the local ecosystem and encourage sustainable gardening practices. If a community garden exists near you, ask to participate and have your own garden plot.
5. Discover the world around you with local naturalists Fred & Roberta McPherson through their YouTube channel, Santa Cruz Mountains Natural History. Host a documentary screening about environmental issues and host a discussion afterward. This can raise awareness and inspire action in your neighborhood and the larger community. If room to host such an event is an issue, talk to your local library to see if you can hold it in one of their community rooms. 
6. Reduce waste: Challenge yourself, your neighbors, and your community to reduce waste using reusable bags, refillable water bottles, and food containers. Buy grains, flours, beans, household cleaners, and body products in bulk. Consider hosting a zero-waste challenge and share tips and tricks for reducing waste. 
7. Compost! Collect organic waste, mix it with soil, and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden or community. Composting can reduce the waste you send to the landfill, improve soil health, and promote sustainability. Free composting and vermiculture workshops are held year-round through the County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department. Participants are eligible to receive a free composting or worm bin when completed. Composting and vermiculture tips are included on the County website.
8. Become a Citizen Scientist for a Day by volunteering with the Coastal Watershed Commission and assisting in California’s largest one-day water monitoring Snapshot Day program. The event is held the first Saturday of each May, this year, May 6th.
9. Educate yourself on alternatives to poisons and cleaners used in the garden and home, many of which have unintended consequences.
10. Talk to your elected representatives about important environmental issues for you and your community.

Remember, the most important thing is to take actions that make a difference in your support for the environment. Even small actions can make a big difference, so get involved and make Earth Day a meaningful event for San Lorenzo Valley and our Planet!