Editorial: Plenty of ways to get involved in the 2023 Earth Day

Saturday, April 22, marks the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day

This editorial is the opinion of Gilroy Life

As Earth Day 2023 approaches, residents of Gilroy have a unique opportunity to come together and make a positive impact on our planetary home. From educational sessions to neighborhood clean-up efforts, the people of the South Valley can get involved and show their commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

By participating in Earth Day 2023 events, we can send a message to our elected leaders that we want to see meaningful difference in local, state, and national energy policy — and inspire others to take action as well.

Saturday, April 22, marks the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” and we encourage our readers to check out “Hike with Mike” columnist’s Mike Monroe’s recommendation of fun family events at Christmas Hill Park. You can find it on page 7 of this issue of Gilroy Life.

A week later from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29, the South Valley community is invited to spend a second Earth-focused event at Mount Madonna School. The campus is holding its 17th annual Summit for the Planet Earth to encourage families to learn how they can have a positive impact on the “pale blue dot” (as the scientist Carl Sagan calls Earth) that we live on in the vast universe.

From barn owls and bearded dragons to California kingsnakes and turkey vultures, the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with wildlife at the festival is always a huge draw. Children and adults alike enjoy the many birds, reptiles and amphibians shared by the Bay Area Herpetological Society and Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center, two participants in this community eco-festival.

Everyone is welcome to check out the wildlife and family-friendly activities. This free admission public event begins with a 5K family hike through the redwoods, and features an eco-carnival, face painting, live wildlife and reptile area, a “trash fashion” show, model solar car races, activities, live music and tasty food.

Hike registration begins at 9 a.m. and the hike starts at 10 a.m., with the eco-carnival opening at 11 a.m., followed by music, the Trash Fashion Show and a learning expo. The event concludes at 1 p.m.

With its unique spotlight on environmental education, the Summit for the Planet festival has grown to some 500 people of all ages, from south Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

We would like to see families with young children and teens play a vital role in advocating for climate and clean energy action on Earth Day 2023. Among the ways they can get involved and make a difference:

• Participate in local demonstrations and marches to raise awareness about climate change and the need for cleaner energy.
• Use social media platforms to share information about climate change and promote clean energy initiatives with friends and families. They can get creative and share videos, posts, and graphics that they make to educate others about the issue and encourage action.
• Write letters or send emails to their elected officials (from city council and school boards to state and national leaders), urging them to support climate and clean energy policies. They can also call or personally visit their representatives to discuss their concerns and advocate for change.
• Organize campaigns to promote sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities. By collaborating with local organizations and businesses, they can advocate for clean energy initiatives and inspire others to take action.
• Take the lead in educating their peers and family members about the importance of climate and clean energy action. They can give presentations at school or in their communities, or organize information sessions to share their knowledge and encourage others to make positive changes.

As the threat of global warming looms, it is increasingly important for small communities like Morgan Hill to take action and play their part in protecting the planet.

Earth Day 2023 presents a critical opportunity for us — and especially young people — to come together and advocate for cleaner, greener energy infrastructure and more sustainable practices.

Let us all join in a united effort to raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change and the impact of fossil fuels. Working together, we can travel forward towards a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone — including future generations of human beings whose quality of life relies on what we now do for planet Earth.