VENTURA : Early Earth Day Salute Planned

Conservation-minded officials will get a head start on Earth Day 1993 by staging a weekend celebration at Arroyo Verde Park with music, games, information booths and displays spotlighting the latest environmental issues and innovations.

“It’s kind of an environmental Thanksgiving, where we look at what we have, what our actions are and what our responsibilities are,” said Eric Werbalowsky, coordinator of the recycling office at Ventura City Hall.

Although Earth Day is not scheduled until April 22, city officials are planning their Earth Day festivities for 10 a.m. Saturday during this year’s Cottontail Canyon Day at the park.

Representatives of more than a dozen local companies, groups and government agencies will be on hand Saturday to display everything from condor recovery and sea otter programs to exotic animal exhibits and energy conservation.

Exhibitors will also demonstrate recycling and composting.

“We enjoy sharing with others how easy and enjoyable it is giving back to our environment,” said Richard Morhar, owner of The Worm Concern of Thousand Oaks.

Prizes will be awarded to the consumer most accurately selecting environmentally friendly products in an environmental shopping game.

In just three years, the recycling office in Ventura has tripled the amounts of newspaper, glassware, aluminum and plastics recycled, Werbalowsky said.

The Buenaventura Mall also will hold an Earth Day celebration April 10 when children will be invited to meet the “shrinking trash monster” and participate in other activities.

Children will be taught about recycling and other conservation efforts at the noon to 4 p.m. event.