Although we are green on a daily basis--San Francisco has the highest recycling and composting rate of U.S. cities--Earth Day is still a special occasion for us to celebrate nature and the environment. The annual, internationally recognized Earth Day is April 22. Since in 2012 it falls on a Sunday, the whole weekend in the Bay Area is filled with eco-, green- and clean-themed activities. Check below on where and when you can compare a Tesla to a Leaf, sing happy birthday to John Muir, see the latest eco-fashions, taste bugs and vegan treats, and more.
National Park Week
April 21-29
All national parks (that’s 397 of ‘em) are free all week—such as Point Reyes National Seashore, Alcatraz Island, Kings Canyon National Park, John Muir National Historic Site and Yosemite.
Pacifica Beach Coalition Earth Day
April 21, at 9 am-3:30 pm
From the website, pick a Pacifica or Central Coast beach, creek, park, garden, school or even shopping center to clean up or restore in the morning. Then celebrate with entertainment, presentations, live music and kids’ activities at Linda Mar State Beach. This year's clean up is dedicated to sea turtles.
Earth Stroll
April 21, at 10 am-2 pm
Live animals, live music, hikes led by rangers and games led by environmental groups.
At Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach Dr., the Presidio (near the Marina Blvd. entrance), San Francisco 94129. Suggested donation $5 (includes commemorative Earth Stroll Passport).
Foster City Earth Day Fair
April 21, at 10 am-3 pm
Check out a Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and electric bikes at this fair focused on clean air and transport. Bring still-usable clothing, toys, bikes, kitchenware, sporting goods, luggage and other household items to swap for something else. Bring documents, expired pills, and old TVs, computers and other electronics, and they’ll be shredded or properly disposed of. Green vendors, a magic show and other kid-focused activities, too.
At City Hall Plaza, 610 Foster City Blvd., Foster City 94404. Free.
John Muir Birthday–Earth Day Celebration
April 21, at 10 am-4 pm
A joint party for John Muir’s birthday (April 21) and Earth Day. Children’s activities with National Park Service rangers, a nature walk, bagpipers and other musicians, tours of Muir’s 1882 historic home and its California native plant garden and a fundraising silent auction. Muir serves his birthday cake, too. A founder of the Sierra Club, Muir was instrumental in creating the National Park Service.
At John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Avenue at Highway 4, Martinez 94553. Free.
Earth Day on the Bay
April 21, at 10 am-5 pm
Explore mud, fish and plankton, touch marine animals, watch sharks eat, bid on auction items, make ocean-themed arts and crafts, take a ride on the bay.
At the Marine Science Institute, 500 Discovery Parkway, Redwood City 94063. Two-hour boat ride: $40 adults, $20 for ages 5-12. Other activities free.
Create-With-Nature Earth Day Celebration
April 21, at 11 am-3 pm (drop in)
Scour the beach, dump the trash, and then use the rocks, shells, sand, driftwood, feathers and other natural bits to make whatever inspires you. Or just bring a picnic and watch as outdoor sculpture is created. This annual event is organized by Berkeley environmental artist Zach Pine.
At the south end of Stinson Beach, Marin. Free.
Ghirardelli Goes Green
April 21, at 1-5 pm
A (plastic) bag monster, demos of sustainable cooking, information, vendors and live music to promote and celebrate green living.
At Ghirardelli Square, 900 N. Point St., San Francisco. Free
See next page for SF's biggest Earth Day bash, Cal Academy's activities, and more green events --->
