Earth Day brings activities, events on the North Coast
Organizations host sales,
volunteer opportunities
BY ZOE BUCHLI
At a time when stewardship of planet
and place is more important than ever, this
Friday will mark the 52nd Earth Day. Orga-
nizations and businesses on the North Coast
plan to celebrate the opportunity to give
back by hosting an array of events, giving
those passionate about the coast a chance to
contribute to a better environment.
Whether cleaning up outside is in the
day’s plans or learning about climate
change is the way to go, organizations
across the coast region have a myriad of
activities planned to honor Earth Day.
In addition to a seed and dry goods sale
that took place last Saturday, the Astoria
Co+op will host a sale, off ering 20% off
all items in the bulk section. Bulk buying
gives customers the chance to save pack-
aging while stocking up on favorite snacks,
grains, spices, beans and coff ee among
other treats. “The bulk section has always
been an important part of the co-op, as our
founders valued buying products without
one time use plastic packaging,” co-op mar-
keting director Emily Lindblom said.
Shoppers can bring in their own clean
containers or use provided compostable
bags that double as compost bucket liners.
And beyond Earth Day, the co-op looks
to further sustainability through long-term
practices. Last spring, the co-op installed
solar panels with funding from Pacifi c Pow-
er’s Blue Sky program, and the co-op has
since saved nearly 100,000 pounds of car-
bon dioxide emissions. Using washable
dishware for in-store dining, reusable glass
bottles and electric car charging stations,
coming this summer, the co-op dedicates
itself to taking care of the Earth.
Farther south, the Lower Nehalem Com-
munity Trust will host a litter cleanup along
U.S. Highway 101 on Friday at 8:30 a.m,,
focused on collecting garbage on both sides
of Wheeler, between Paradise Cove and the
intersection of U.S. Highway 101 and state
Route 53. The next day, the trust is hosting
Volunteers gather in Nehalem for an Earth Day highway cleanup in 2021.
a workday at Elk Meadows Park, a piece of
land that sits between Nehalem and Manza-
nita in Bayside Gardens.
The trust partners with Manzanita to care
for this recreational area. Participants will
help clear Scotch b room, a highly aggres-
sive invasive species, to help the park’s
native plants thrive. Welcome and orienta-
tion will start at 9 a.m., and the trust will
also host two more invasive species remov-
als on April 29 and May 6.
The annual “12 Days of Earth Day”
event in Cannon Beach will begin with a
chance to shred old documents. Sponsored
by Cannon Beach Shreds, this event will
run on Friday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. in the
Cannon Beach city parking lot on Gower
Street.
On Saturday at 11 a.m., join together
with family and friends for the Earth Day
parade, taking place on N. Hemlock Street.
The parade will be followed by the Earth
Day Street Fair, which will give guests a
chance to learn more about local groups
working to preserve the coast’s natural
resources.
For a space to learn about the impact of
climate change on local lands, the Clatsop
Community Health Advocacy and Resource
Team will run its third annual Place Mat-
ters Conference through Thursday. The free
event will feature six speakers, focusing on
sustainability centered topics like climate
change and infrastructure, local food sys-
tems and agriculture practices, this year’s
featured topics.
Astoria Co+op will host a sale on bulk items
this Earth Day, promoting the use of reusable
packaging.
Stop by the Columbia River Maritime Museum and watch a 3D movie, or two!
Aircraft Carrier: City at Sea, Daily every half hour 10:30A - 4:30P
Ocean Odyssey, Daily every half hour 10:00A - 4:00P
Family Friendly & Fun for Everyone! $5 per person, Museum Members FREE
3D Theater • Museum Store • Model Boat Pond
OPEN DAILY 9:30 TO 5:00 • 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR • 503.325.2323 • www.crmm.org
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