By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–In a bid to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability, the city of Oceanside celebrated Earth Day with enthusiasm, engaging its local community in a series of educational and interactive activities at Libby Lake Park in Oceanside on Saturday morning.
Attendees were immersed in engaging experiences, ranging from interactive games to informative displays on recycling, clean water and energy, and protecting wildlife.
The event showcased a Waste Management mini collection truck, serving as a reminder of the importance of responsible waste management practices. Moreover, the Green Oceanside prize wheel not only offered participants a chance to win exciting prizes but also served as a platform for educating them about sustainable living practices.
The city of Oceanside Water Utilities Department took center stage, presenting an educational water trailer to elucidate the intricacies of the city’s water system. As part of their outreach efforts, reusable water bottles were distributed to underscore the significance of reducing single-use plastic consumption.
The event garnered support from a multitude of organizations, including ProduceGood, Buena Vista Audubon Society, Friends of El Corazon, Camp Pendleton, Sierra Club, and many more. These organizations provided invaluable information and resources aimed at empowering residents to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.
The Oceanside-based Buena Vista Audubon Society shared insights on wildlife and habitat preservation with families.
“Our plan is learning to appreciate the animals that they engage within the community and plants that provide habitat for the animals,” said Natalie Shapiro, executive director of the Buena Vista Audubon Society.
Green Oceanside joined forces with I Love a Clean San Diego for the 22nd annual Creek to Bay Cleanup. Residents rolled up their sleeves and volunteered to clean up Libby Lake Park, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.
Lindsay Leahy, director of the Water Utilities Department, expressed her enthusiasm for the event.
“We’re excited to host this event in east Oceanside and offer a unique opportunity to bring people together to engage and celebrate Earth Day,” Leahy said.
Residents learned about various programs and resources offered by the city. One of them was ProduceGood, which facilitated the donation of excess backyard produce to benefit local feeding agencies to combat food waste. Additionally, participants with California-friendly landscaping seized the opportunity to participate in the 2024 WaterSmart Landscape Contest, vying for coveted prizes.
Marcus and Renee Penate, and their children attended the Earth Day event at the park. As a family stationed at Camp Pendleton, they are ardent advocates for environmental protection and are eager to instill these values in their children.
“It’s very important for them to learn about the environment. We believe in giving back to the Earth, and Earth gives back to us,” said Penate. “We’re doing our part to recycle.”
Green Oceanside spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. The city’s “Oceanside Donation Weeks” enabled residents to schedule free pickups for up to eight gently-used items, fostering a culture of reuse within the community. Furthermore, during biannual Landfill weeks from April 22 to May 3, residents were encouraged to schedule pickups for large items beyond reuse or repair, underscoring the city’s commitment to responsible waste management.
Anyone interested in scheduling a “large item landfill pickup,” Waste Management can be contacted at (760) 439-2824.
