Earth Day comes each year on April 22. The theme of this year’s Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics, which unites diverse stakeholders in a mission to reduce plastic production by 60% by 2040, with the ultimate goal of a plastic-free future. Throughout the month of April, many Earth Month events will support this and other green initiatives. You can participate in Earth month in North County by:

• Attending Earth Month Events
• Supporting Green Businesses
• Learning About Education Opportunities in Sustainability
• Using the San Diego County Sustainable Directory

 

EVENTS

 

County-Wide:

• 4/20 Creek to Bay Cleanup Join I love a Clean San Diego for the largest Earth week cleanup in the county! There’s a cleanup effort for almost every corner of the region with over 100 event locations.

North County Coastal Locations                    North County Inland Locations

 

Carlsbad:

Visit Carlsbad’s Earth Month Website

• 4/13 E-Waste Collection Drop off old and broken electronics for proper recycling during the Fixit Clinic at Dove Library.
• 4/13 Fixit Clinic & Repair Event Pair DIY repair and sustainability with this repair workshop to learn how to assess and potentially fix broken items while gaining insights into their inner workings.
• 4/22 Carlsbad Village Association Makers Market Celebrate artisan craftsmanship, community, and Earth Day with over 50 vendors showcasing handmade goods.
• 4/27 Shred and Recycle It! Shred and recycle sensitive documents for free in an environmentally responsible manner. Advanced registration and proof of residency required.
• 4/27 Donate, Don’t Waste Collection Declutter sustainably without contributing to landfill waste – donate used items such as appliances, housewares, electronics, clothing, and more.
• 4/27 Green Business Expo Learn about green initiatives and connect with local eco-conscious businesses through workshops, exhibitor booths, and resources best practices in sustainability.

 

Encinitas:

• 4/13 2024 Arbor Day Join the city-wide celebration at Encinitas Community Park, where they’re planting 51 trees to enhance their urban landscape.

 

Escondido:

Visit Escondido’s Earth Day Website

• 4/20 Escondido Green Expo Discover the evolution of green businesses and their contributions to sustainability while connecting with fellow community members and eco-friendly businesses.
• 4/23 Escondido AgX Gathering Enjoy curated match-based networking, fireside chats, mentorship sessions, and pitch practice with agriculture, food production, and tech leaders.

 

Fallbrook:

• 4/20 Earth Day Nature Walk Join Fallbrook Land Conservancy for a leisurely walk around Los Jilgueros Preserve to observe plants and animals, explore and learn about local wildlife and flora.
• 4/22 Earth Day Cleanup Join a community effort in cleaning up streets along Horse Ranch Creek Road, ideal for individuals and families passionate about environmental stewardship and community involvement.

 

Oceanside:

Visit Oceanside’s Earth Month Website

• 4/20 Stay Classy O’side Earth Day Community Event Experience educational booths, activities, and a neighborhood cleanup event during this family-friendly event all about sustainability.

 

Ramona:

• 4/20 3rd Annual Ramona Earth Day Festival Explore sustainable practices through musical performances, speakers, exhibitors, and a Children’s Sustainable Treasure Hunt, offering prizes for solving the “Sustainable Ramona Mystery,” perfect for all ages.

 

Vista:

• 4/20 Earth Day at the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Celebrate Earth Day with food, plant sales, garden advice, shopping, and conversation at the Alta Vista Botanical Garden.

 

GREEN BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

 

• Hunter Industries in San Marcos repurposes post-industrial recycled plastic waste to create irrigation tubing, using approximately 28,800 lbs (14.4 tons) weekly to produce 1,700,000 feet (321.9 miles) of tubing. Annually, this translates to 16,095 miles of tubing or saving 326,880,000 lunch bags from landfills.
• Dr. Bronner’s in Vista offers their magic soap now in 82% less plastic! Refill with their plant-based soap in a recycled plastic bottle or choose their paper carton refill option for reduced plastic waste. #1 natural soap in North America, committed to regenerative organic agriculture and ethical supply chains.
• Sunshine Market & Refillery is a zero-waste grocery store in Oceanside, designed to eliminate single-use plastics. Products are sold in bulk, and customers bring their own containers to fill.
• Scrap Management in Escondido buys bulk scrap plastic to provide tailored recycling programs for businesses, partnering with recycling companies to meet and surpass waste disposal needs. Their team uses cutting-edge technology for successful recycling programs, simplifying the recycling process and boosting businesses’ profitability.
• Amai Edible Cups in Carlsbad produces cups using upcycled grains from the beer-making process and 100% natural ingredients. While edible, they will break down within weeks after use if you choose not to consume them.
• Verity Case in San Marcos crafts packaging solutions using aluminum and stainless steel. These materials enhance the user experience and brand aesthetic but also boast high recyclability rates, with 34% of aluminum and 76.4%* of stainless steel being recycled, compared to just 5-6% for plastic.
• Blueview Footwear in Cardiff/Encinitas crafts biodegradable sneakers using foam material made from algae oil, promoting sustainability in footwear manufacturing. The company pioneers biodegradable plastics made directly from algae, offering a solution to reduce plastic waste in the environment.

 

How does your organization reduce your plastic use? Tell us on social media! 

           

 

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION IN NORTH COUNTY

 

California State University San Marcos:

• Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies: Focusing on environmental and land-use concerns, this curriculum covers physical and life sciences, social sciences, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental policy and law, land-use planning, environmental ethics, research methodologies, and environmental arts and humanities, providing comprehensive training.
• Minor in Sustainability: The Sustainability Minor offers students a comprehensive exploration of sustainable development, climate change, business sustainability, and socio-ecological resilience. Students select courses from various disciplines and can easily incorporate the minor into their chosen major.
• Environmental Stewards Association: This diverse student organization is dedicated to learning, networking, and environmental action.

 

Palomar College:

• Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Studies: Designed for students passionate about environmental issues, this program covers pre-requisite coursework in topics like ecology, geography, GIS, and physical science. With guidance from counselors, students can seamlessly integrate these courses into their general education program, ensuring they are well-prepared for transfer to CSUSM for further learning in environmental studies.
• Sustainability in the Built Environment (Pending Approval): Palomar College has applied to confer its first baccalaureate degrees. The proposed program aims to prepare graduates for careers focused on ensuring compliance with federal environmental standards in building design and construction.

 

MiraCosta College:

• Horticulture: This program examines the art and science of cultivating plants, but also includes sustainable design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes, nursery and organic crop production, and wine technology. Horticulture students at MiraCosta can work toward certificates of achievement or associate degrees in Sustainable Agriculture or Sustainable Landscape and Turf Management.

 

National University:

• Certificate in Sustainable Management: This course explores the principles of sustainability and their application in business, covering topics like environmental protection, social responsibility, and financial profitability.
• Master of Science in Sustainability Management: Students learn a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating business and engineering perspectives. Students gain skills to address contemporary challenges while preparing for diverse careers in sustainability-related fields.

 

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About the Author

Caitlyn Canby loves to discover and share people’s stories. She has her bachelor’s degree in Communications, Print Journalism with over 9 years of journalism experience. An Escondido native, she just moved back from Catalina Island to North County with her husband and two children to the town of Fallbrook. Caitlyn enjoys collaborating on projects as Communications Manager at SDNEDC, traveling, and exploring new restaurants, venues, experiences, and cultures.