Earth. Photo by Jocelyn Holt

TOPANGA CANYON—On April 23 and 24, Topangans celebrated Earth Day. Topanga Earth Day festival has been celebrated for the past 12 years and promotes awareness of the environment and reduction of waste.

This event was held at the Topanga Community Club on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Attendees were offered free BioDiesel shuttle rides to the festival location. Events included eco-art, music and performances, guest speakers and workshops. Topics covered by guest speakers included sustainable gardening, waste reduction in living and conservation of the Topanga Creek Watershed. Workshops included information on solar power use, sustainable agriculture, gardening and tree planting.

Supporting awareness of recycling and waste reduction, the festival homepage states that the grassroots event put an end to the sales and use of plastic water bottles and bags, which were replaced with compostable cups, water canteens, and reusable bags. Everything used was made from recycled material or compostable/biodegradable material made from sugar and corn.

Earth Day was first held on April 22, 1970. It was developed by former Senator of Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson, and promoted by Congressman Paul McCloskey, to bring public awareness to pollution in the environment. People continue to celebrate Earth Day around April 22 to promote greater sustainability in the environment.

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