San Diegans of all ages participated in Earth Day events across the county on Tuesday, from beach cleanups to educational activities focused on environmental protection.
At Pacific Beach, volunteers collected cigarette butts and other pollutants hidden in the sand as part of a cleanup organized by local businesses.
“It’s unfortunate people don’t have the mindset to clean up after themselves. That’s what we’re here for,” said Sean Ward, manager of Duck Dive bar and grill, who organized the beach cleanup.
Ward, a lifelong San Diego resident, turned his restaurant team into environmental advocates for the day.
“I’ve grown up here, lived here a long time, and the beaches are a special place,” he said.
Earth Day activities extended to educational institutions across the country. At UC San Diego, students rallied to raise awareness about environmental protection issues.
Preschoolers at Discovery Isle in San Marcos released 200 ladybugs throughout their schoolyard. The children, dressed in red and black with antennae, learned that ladybugs are natural pest controllers that protect plants from harmful insects.
Meanwhile, elementary students at Sandburg Elementary in Mira Mesa received lessons on recycling and plastic waste.
“This plastic is common, but it’s got a long, uncommon name,” a San Diego Unified School District teacher explained to students before introducing them to “polyethylene terephthalate,” a common plastic found in everyday items.
Fifth-grader Evelyn Espinoza says she plans to improve her family’s recycling habits.
“Now we know what we can and can’t recycle. I like having this information so I can contribute to making the planet healthier,” she said.
Six hundred students received reusable water bottles from the
Rob Machado Foundation
, established by the environmentalist and renowned surfer.
From the sandy shores to classrooms, San Diego celebrates Earth Day with pride.
