By Lisa Klassen

April is Earth Month, a time for us to appreciate the abundance the Earth provides us with all year-round, and a time for us to consciously put our efforts into giving something back. Learn about sustainable living, alternate energy resources, organic foods, and making environmentally conscious consumer choices…and have a fun time doing it!

Here are some ideas:
SF’s We the Planet Activism and Music Festival
Wednesday, April 20th
Golden Gate Park
This event will feature Alanis Morissette, Cake, Bonnie Raitt, the Coup, De La Soul, and Concrete Blonde. Besides the big-name performers, the festival will feature multi-cultural music and speakers, national and local nonprofit organizations, interactive and educational displays, art, organic vegetarian cuisine, and green business vendors.

“Planet Alameda” Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 23rd
11:00am to 4pm at Washington Park, Central Ave. and Eighth St., Alameda
There will be live music, entertainment, healthy foods, games, info booths on various eco-friendly practices, and the chance to win prizes.

Vallejo Farmers’ Market Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 23rd
Downtown Vallejo Farmers’ Market at the 200 block of Georgia Street
Come meet Cycler the Recycling Robot, take the kids to the animal petting zoo, listen to live music, and check out the native plant sale. The Scouts will be participating with youth activities like matchbox derby races, camping games, recycled arts and crafts activities, and more!

Earth Day Bleach Clean Up!
Saturday, April 23rd
1:00pm to 4:00pm at Ocean Beach, entrance #17 across from the Beach Chalet between Fulton and Lincoln on the Great Highway.
A clean-up contest with prizes for the winners, plus raffle prizes and good company. Dress appropriately and bring snacks for post-event activities.

3rd Annual Marin Environmental Film Festival
Earth Day Weekend, April 22-24th
Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 4th Street, San Rafael
The goal of the film festival is to promote a sustainable world by bringing environmental issues and solutions to a wide audience. The MEFF program includes films, filmmaker Q & As, panels on environmental art, food systems, and green business, a teen outreach and advocacy workshop, an opening night reception fund-raiser, and a Sustainable Food Tasting event.