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Published April 23rd, 2014
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Earth Day in Lafayette: Fun and Water Wise
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| By Sophie Braccini |
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| istock image |
Water is a recurring theme at Lamorinda events this year. Lafayette's 9th Annual Earth Day Festival is no exception. "With one of the worst droughts in California's recorded history, the theme of this year's festival is water conservation," says Tina Goodfriend, chair of the event for Sustainable Lafayette.
During its April 1 evaluation of the snowpack that feeds the Mokelumne watershed, the East Bay Municipal Utility District determined that it was only at 37 percent of its average water content to date (Water Supply Board Briefing, April 8). To avoid drastic drought measures, the water utility asks everyone for a 10 percent voluntary cut in water use.
"People can learn about water conservation programs and local water conservation rebates," says Goodfriend. "The patio area will feature EBMUD, landscape experts, and others who will talk about water-efficient landscaping and ways to conserve water in the home." Rainwater harvesting will also be demonstrated by Grey Water Action.
But the festival, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, will not be a "dry" event. As in past years, it will be a fun-filled half day for the whole family outside the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Parades, food (by Susan Foord Catering), interactive activities for all ages, and information about how to save or recycle water will be part of the day. And bring your own water bottle; there will be a hydration station there to refill it.
The beloved classics will also be back, like the ever-popular self-propelled parade that will kick off the festival at 11 a.m. from Stanley Middle School. "Kids come with decorated bikes, scooters, skateboards, or just walk with their parents all the way to the festival," says Goodfriend. Starting at 10:30 a.m., Sharp Bicycle Shop will be at Stanley adjusting seats and helmets.
New this year to the Earth Day Festival is the introduction of total recycling solutions for clothing and shoes. "We have invited I:CO company, partnering with H&M to the celebration," explains Goodfriend. "I:CO utilizes the concept of 'upcycling,' meaning that discarded clothes or shoes are used to create a new product of equal or better quality." Participants are invited to bring stained, torn, or old clothing not suitable for donation to the event. I:CO will recycle it into new fabric or household items. "Those who drop off their used clothes will receive 15 percent off their next H&M purchase, and a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship," adds Goodfriend.
Booths featuring environment-related businesses, non-profit organizations and other vendors will fill Golden Gate Way, and at noon, organizations and individuals who are actively working to help Lafayette become one of the most sustainable cities in the Bay Area will be recognized and the City of Lafayette's 2013 Green Award winners will be announced.
For more information, visit www.sustainablelafayette.org/our-events/earth-day-festival/.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA