OCEANSIDE — Oceanside is celebrating Earth Day with a four-block festival April 16. The annual Earth Festival will include a market of upcycled goods, energy conservation advice, sustainable landscaping tips and an interactive Kids Eco Zone.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn small, simple things we can do on a daily basis all year long,” Colleen Foster, city solid waste and recycling management analyst, said.
SDG&E and other energy experts will share ways to cut energy costs.
Landscape designers will discuss how to conserve water and reduce yard green waste.
Radio station FM 94.9 will host an entertainment lineup of local indie bands. Music is sponsored by the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians.
The Kids Eco Zone will engage all ages in games and hands-on activities that teach water conservation, alternative energy sources, nutrition and outdoor enjoyment.
Some activities will be led by Oceanside students. Additionally, upcycled items created by Oceanside high school students will be displayed and sold through an online auction.
Half of Oceanside’s 23 schools are Zero Waste Schools dedicated to site waste reduction practices that range from school purchases, to reuse and recycling.
Foster said the festival is expected to draw 10,000 attendees.
Additional earth friendly activities will run throughout the month. Some continue all year.
A new pilot partnership between the city, Waste Management and Goodwill Industries gives large trash pickup items, like couches and tables, a second chance. Gently used items picked up by Waste Management are now brought to a Goodwill facility to be sold and reused.
“They used to go straight to the landfill,” Foster said. “People can now rest assured items will be looked at and processed.”
Efforts are anticipated to find reuses for 70 percent of bulky trash pickup items. Waste Management and Goodwill Industries are considering expanding the partnership to other cities.
Earth Festival will be held between Pier View Way and Tremont Street April 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, go to greenoceanside.org.
