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Earth Day happens every April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of global events through earthday.org in more than 190 countries.

Locally, San Benito County Integrated Waste Management’s annual Earth Day celebration will be held in San Juan Bautista on April 25. See below for details.

According to Carbonfund, there are everyday things people can do to honor Earth Day and help protect the environment. Here is a partial list.

Walk or ride a bike

Going car-free for the day will reduce harmful carbon emissions. Even one day can make a difference. If your daily commute is too far for walking or biking, try these environmentally conscious alternatives: 

• Public transportation such as buses, trains, or shuttles
• Carpooling 

Limit water use 

Conserve water on a daily basis by turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, checking the toilet and pipes in your home for leaks and taking shorter showers using a water-saving showerhead.

If you have a garden, install a drip irrigation system or make sure that your watering sprinklers are on timers.

Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your roof and gutters to use for non-drinking purposes like watering the garden.

Turn off lights when not in use 

Turn off lamps and overhead lights whenever you leave a room or your house. 

Electricity often comes from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, so using as little electricity as possible can help minimize climate change.

Switch to non-toxic cleaning products 

The government’s Safer Choice program makes it easier to identify which cleaning products are environmentally friendly and low in toxicity. Look for the Safer Choice logo on a cleaning product’s label. 

You can also make simple homemade cleaning products. For example, a solution made of equal parts water and white vinegar effectively cleans floors, bathrooms, cabinets and counters.

Look for manufacturers that have achieved Carbonfree^® product certification. This certification means that the product’s carbon footprint has been measured and neutralized.

Switch to paperless billing 

If you’re receiving paper bills via U.S. mail, switch to paperless billing. 

Reduce, reuse, repurpose recycle 

Many products can be recycled and can go out in the blue bin. Garden and food waste can go into the green bin for decomposition and reuse as a fertilizer. More information is here. 

Carry reusable plastic or cloth bags 

Use reusable grocery bags when you go to the store. If you don’t have any bags, purchase some reusable cloth totes. 

Use a refillable water bottle

Consider going with a stainless steel refillable bottle for a durable option. Disposable plastic water bottles often end up in landfills after a single use. Using a refillable water bottle protects the planet, saves you money and protects your health (as many plastic items contain a harmful chemical called BPA).

Visit a local farmers market

Eating locally grown food is much better for the environment as locally grown food doesn’t have to be transported long distances to reach grocery store shelves. 

Commit to one green act per day

Make it your goal to do one small thing every day to support the environment. While small changes at the individual level may not seem like much, they add up over time and can have a major impact. These may include: 

• Turning off your air conditioner when you’re out
• Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs
• Consider purchasing a carbon offset for your home, vehicle or air-travel 
• Donate to an environmental nonprofit

Calculate yor Ecological Footprint.

Meanwhile, the April 25 Earth Day celebration at the State Historic Park in San Juan Bautista on April 25 includes the following: Shuttles from and to Hollister; 30-plus booths offering environmental programs, resources, and fun, interactive activities for all ages; vermicomposting by Master Gardener Otis Johnson all event long; land acknowledgement and ceremony by Grupo Nauhcampa Danza Azteca Concheros at 11 a.m.; special performance by Ha ‘a Hula / Te Reva O Te Manu at noon; Recology Art Poster Contest gallery viewing, with winners to be announced at 1 p.m..; electric vehicle test driving and car show, with a valid driver’s license required; food scrap pails for easy collection of your food scraps; and, used motor oil recycling DIY kits and resources to safely dispose of motor oil in San Benito County.

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