By Craig Smith
We’re all well aware at this point that the planet is in trouble, and desperately needs our help. We need to focus on what we can do about it, and Napa residents have an opportunity to do so. “City leadership is supporting Napa achieving net zero climate pollutants from public and private operations within the city by 2030, but what can local residents do to help?” said Erin Corona.
Corona is with the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County (EECNC), the group that hosts Napa’s Earth Day Celebration. “At this year’s Earth Day event, we are going to showcase climate actions that everyone can take, so that we can achieve the 2030 goals the City has set.” Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, rely on a car or bicycle for transportation, there are steps you can take to make a meaningful difference. “Effective change starts with each individual, because as cliche as it is, together we can make a difference” said Corona.
This year’s Earth Day Celebration is on Saturday, April 20 from 11AM to 4PM at the Oxbow Commons. This annual event connects people to local businesses and organizations who provide earth-friendly and creative pathways towards a sustainable future for generations to come. Earth Day Napa is a time to honor and celebrate this planet that we all share.
While the focus remains on environmental education, the Earth Day Celebration promises a lively atmosphere. Live performances from Rock Busters, Shadow Six, and Napa School of Music’s Garage Band will begin at 11AM and continue until 4PM. In addition to live entertainment, there will be delicious local food and beverage vendors. Individuals of all ages can explore regional businesses and organizations through hands-on displays, games and crafts. At this event, there is something for everyone and admission is free.
Originally, this was more of a ‘table-only’ affair, but after a few years, the organizers decided to add entertainment. “We want attendees to leave not only with practical tools for supporting the planet but also with fond memories of a fun-filled day,” says Corona.
The sale of beer donated by local breweries, and wine donated by Napa Green, have made this event a fundraiser. All funds raised through these beverage sales support EECNC’s Bus Grant Program and Student Scholarship awards. The Field Trip Bus Grant Program provides essential funding for teachers to take Napa students on environmental field trips in Napa County, to sites such as Skyline Park, Connolly Ranch, Carolyn Parr Nature Center, and Bothe State Park. The Darcy Aston Environmental Advocacy Scholarship provides funding to local students who plan to pursue careers in the environmental sciences.
Ride your bicycle to the Oxbow Commons and take advantage of free bicycle valet parking, provided by the Napa Bicycle Coalition. To keep in the spirit of the day and to help organizers achieve their goal of being a zero-waste event, bring your water bottles and stop by the “Water Bar” filling station.
And don’t miss the pre-party! Over the years, an increasingly popular aspect to the celebration is the Earth Day Napa Community Cleanup, which runs from 9AM to 11:30AM. “We had 179 participants at the 2023 Cleanup,” said Ashley Kvitek, who has organized the cleanup for the past five years. “People should bring gloves and a bucket if they have them, and wear sturdy footwear that can get dirty. Folks that don’t have gloves and buckets can borrow them for the day when they get to their clean-up site.” Those wishing to help on the water will have the opportunity to do so through a partnership with Enjoy Napa Valley Kayaks. Although some of the stuff people will pick up can be muddy, it’s mostly manageable. “People are much more responsible with their large waste items, and now our main focus is micro trash- those little bitty pieces of plastic that look like fish food when they make it into our waterways.”
The first Earth Day in the country was held in 1970, in response to several environmental catastrophes, particularly the Santa Barbara oil spill and the Cuyahoga River fires of 1969. Many Americans felt it was time to take a more active approach in the stewardship of the planet.
For more information on the event, visit earthdaynapa.com