Earth Day is on Monday, April 22nd this year, and while many Bay Areans are eco-mindful all year long, the day is an especially good reason to give back and spend some time with Mother Earth.
Here are 11 ways to get involved, care for, and celebrate the environment around the Bay Area this weekend and beyond.
Celebrate in the Mission.
Earth Day San Francisco 2019 is a kind of official, free celebration on Valencia Street, between 19th and 20th streets, where you can sponge up eco-conscious learnings, eat organic food, see a sustainable fashion show, listen to live music, and more. // 11am to 7pm, Saturday April 20th; more details at facebook.com
Fill a trash bag.
Volunteer to help clean up Bay Area wetlands and green spaces like Point Pinole and MLK Shoreline. // 8:30am to noon, Saturday April 20th
Green the East Bay.
Get to know your East Bay neighbors during the 25th Annual Oakland Earth Day, where there will be multiple projects to restore various Oakland parks, unkempt lawns, wetlands, and more. // Saturday April 20th at venues across Oakland; for more info, visit oaklandnet.com.
Find your own local sustenance.
Forage nature's bounty and rest easy knowing that you're eating hyper local with no plastic packaging.
Drink eco-friendly wine.
Grab a bottle (or a few) from our favorite sustainable NorCal wineries along Napa's Green Wine Trail.
Check out Berkeley Earth Day.
Get inspired to do your part in greening the planet at David Brower Center where the Berkeley Earth Day celebration will include screenings for the Wild & Scenic Film Fest; vegetarian eats; eco-friendly vendors; speakers, and more. // 10am to 5pm, Sunday April 21st, berkeleyearthday.org
Spend Earth Day by the Bay.
On Alcatraz Cruises' Earth Day by the Bay sails, you'll learn about ocean and climate change via the exploration of marine micro-organisms, related crafts, and vendors including the SF Zoo, Beekeeper Station, Cal Academy, and more. // Saturday April 20th at Pier 33; for more info, go to alcatrazcruises.com.
Volunteer in the fish kitchen.
It's the busy season at Sausalito's Marine Mammal Center and volunteers are needed for three- to four-hour shifts. // For more info, go to marinemammalcenter.org.
Save the whales.
We all love whales watching. Put your money where your blow-hole is and donate to California-based Save the Whales, which is helping to ensure these gentle giants are here for generations to come.
Walk in the park.
Take a stroll through one of San Francisco's 153 public parks and re-acquaint yourself with the principles of Leave No Trace.
Head over to SomArts Cultural Center.
The Brannan Street arts space is hosting Living Earth Day, a family-friendly event with tacos, drinks from St. George Spirits, and a benefit concert. Get your tickets in advance online. // 4:30pm to 7pm, Sunday, April 28th, livingearthday.brownpapertickets.com
