ECONOTES : Time for Earth’s Spring Cleaning

Monday is Earth Day, a celebration that hasn’t seemed the same since the 20th anniversary media splash of 1990. Don’t be fooled, though. The blockbuster events have been replaced by hundreds of grass-roots activities, says Mary Beth Baptista, outreach coordinator for Earth Day Resources in San Francisco.

“We stress that Earth Day started by people getting their hands dirty in their own communities,” she says. “We don’t see as many parades but we do see a lot of broom brigades, beach cleanups and park restorations. That’s better than driving to a parade and creating pollution and trash.”

Her office provides a list of 10 ideas for Earth Day activities; call (800) 727-8619.

In Los Angeles the schedule is loaded with beach cleanups, tree plantings, ecology fairs and hazardous waste roundups, as well as rock concerts and spiritual ceremonies. “We have been swamped with calls,” says John Theodore, editor of the city’s Environmental Affairs newsletter. Information: (800) 439-4666. Or check their Web page at https://www.ci.la.ca.us/dept/EAD/index.htm. It’s worth the trip.