Things To Do for Earth Day: The San Francisco Guide
Be thankful you live in a city that cares and does cool things on such an important day.
When people ask me what I like about living in the Bay Area, my immediate response is usually “the food” and that’s definitely my most honest answer. However, when I stop and think about the question further, I discover there’s certainly a lot I don’t consider on a daily basis. The deep answer I’m searching for is the city’s emphasis on environmental health. San Franciscans care about their city in ways I forgot.
The city does have an intense carbon footprint, but I admire how the locals recognize this and take the time to do their part in slowing this process down. This is an every day, constant decision for many Bay Areans; they advocate, vote, and create art/food/music reflecting these ideas. On Earth Day, however, this is intensified. You’d be fiercely missing out if you don’t find the time this Saturday to check out any of SF’s many efforts in bringing people together for Earth Day. There are many opportunities for trying something new, exploring new ideas or concepts, and simply getting out for some fresh air on an ever so special day.
Beach Clean Up & Bloc Party @ Ocean Beach
Cleaning up the beach may not sound very appealing, but it certainly feels good to get out there and do your part. The salty, misty beach winds are begging to be brushed on your face, as well as the sands that are ready to be wedged in your toes for the next few days. Your hard work will be rewarded with mate lattes, music, and an open surf session after a successful clean-up.
SF Earth Day 2018 Festival & Climate Rally @ Civic Center
Looking for something less labor intensive? Maybe you’re scared of large bodies of water. That’s ok! The annual Earth Day Festival provides you with tons of entertainment. This is for you activists that are ready for panels, discussions, and speakers called on for this important day. After that, you can check out organic cooking demos, visit the vegan food courts, green tech vendors, kids attractions, green artisans, and musicians. There will be much to learn and much to eat!
World Naked Bike Ride - Earth Day Edition
The multi-annual bike ride brings awareness to a very important event: the eighth anniversary of the British Petroleum Deep Horizon explosion and Macondo Well oil spill disaster, the worst oil spill in history that occurred 8 years ago. Cover yourself in grease and make a statement while cruising through bustling streets! Full-nudity isn’t required, as bathing clothes are equally impactful!
Cherry Blossom Festival @ Japantown
Every year, Japantown celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms by holding a festival and parade. It’s an important event for celebrating Japanese and Japanese-American culture, especially when there are only three remaining Japantowns left in the United States. As you can imagine, the event is perfect for discovering your favorite things about the culture, while shedding light on Japanese artisans, chefs, music, and dance.
Kick Off Excavation Season @ The Presidio
Many locals aren’t aware that there is history buried beneath their feet, right in The Presidio! The Presidio Archaeology Lab has been excavating since May 2014 and every year they need help resurfacing the excavation site for further research. Artifacts have been revealed dating to the Spanish and Mexican occupations of the area, from 1776–1846, whilst also finding artifacts from the Native Ohlone eras. If you’ve ever wondered what lies under us, it’s best you visit and find out!
Record Store Day
Every year dozens of record stores participate in the special occasion. On this day you can expect to find music from major and indie labels with limited edition releases. Many have DJ sets and performers in the store. What’s does this have to do with Earth Day? Not much, except there’s nothing more earthy than purchasing and listening to vinyls pressed in your mom’s (or grandmother’s) teen years and giving new life to cassette tapes that were played with love through a Walkman on a kid’s walk home from school. It’s a cycle of precious audio mediums, and the ocean thanks you for it.
There’s a lot of significance in Earth Day. It shows us that being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be filled with passion and intention. Many people have discovered their love is making solar electronics, refinishing old vintage furniture, writing farm to table recipe blogs, making soap with vegetable dyes, and sharing their passions with others.
If you haven’t found your passion, check us out to begin your journey!
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