Celebrate Earth Day Everyday

Today may be the official day to celebrate the Earth, with several celebrations and related activities planned throughout the Tri-Valley, but there are often many simple opportunities to be friendly to our planet on any day of the year.

Buy fresh produce: The is held at the , One Stoneridge Mall, every Friday and Sunday. Stop by and shop for fresh, healthy foods produced by growers who practice sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming principles. The market is open on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the southwest corner parking lot between Macy’s and Sear’s. There's also the year-round Farmers Market downtown on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on West Angela Street.

Recycle your batteries: Many people don’t know this, but batteries are not supposed to be thrown away with your household trash due to the chemicals inside of them. Plus, they are recyclable. takes old, reusable batteries and recycles them. They also collect used cell phones for recycling as well. Donated cell phones will be refurbished and resold when possible.

Rides to School: The Pleasanton Rides to School program was created to help reduce traffic at local schools during pick-up and drop-off times. The program, however, is also another way to help the environment everyday. By carpooling, biking or walking to school, community members can reduce the amount of pollution and shrink their personal carbon footprint. The program supports carpools, walkpools and bikepools. Visit the website and learn how to join.

Also, keep an eye out for International Walk to School Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 5 this year. Pleasanton schools participated last October with an entire week dedicated to walking to school. Check out the website for more information.

Learn about greenhouse gas: Learn more about the city's Climate Action Plan by attending the on Tuesday, April 25. The CAP team will be quantifying the draft greenhouse gas reduction measures based on input from the public. The community will also have an opportunity to review the final draft of the plan. The meeting will be held at the , 301 Main St., from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit the website.

Be a volunteer: Volunteer at the as a gardener or other helper. are offered sporadically to community members or people interested in volunteering. The next tour is scheduled for April 30, and another is scheduled for May 8. Tours start at 3 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. and are free and open to the public, 18 years and older. Visit the website to learn more. 

Visit a garden: Attend a on Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tour 50 gardens that are good for the environment. The featured gardens are pesticide-free, conserve water, provide habitat for wildlife and contain at least 50 percent native plants. Registration is required for the self-drive tour and volunteers are needed. If you plan to volunteer, please sign-up before Sunday, April 24. Learn more about the free event here.

Recycle your e-waste: Local schools, Boy Scout troops and other organizations hold e-waste fundraisers throughout the year. Check back with Patch Events to learn when the next e-waste recycling fundraiser will be held. If you know of an upcoming event, you can add it to our calendar.