‘Celebrate Earth Day — Our Power, Our Planet’: City of Arcata

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

Wednesday, April 22, marks Earth Day and the City of Arcata invites the community to come together in celebration, reflection and action.

While environmental stewardship and sustainability are year-round responsibilities, Earth Day offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and renew a shared commitment to clean air, safe water and climate resilience. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, reinforces the vital role individuals and communities play in driving environmental progress. Together, people have the power to create meaningful and long-lasting change.

From April 18–24, local organizations, Cal Poly Humboldt and community members will host Earth Day events that honor the planet, educate the public, and inspire collective actions. Here is a snapshot of what is happening, as well as some resources to jumpstart new, eco-friendly habits:

Community Events (All ages are welcome!):

• Earth Day Story Time at the Arcata Library. Join Ms. Sue for nature and community themed readings on Saturday, April 18 and Wednesday, April 22, from 11 to 11:45 am. Add a poem to the “poetree” and participate in a “stone soup” activity, a timeless tradition that demonstrates how each person’s small contribution can come together to create something greater for all.
• Ecotopia Tabling Event at Cal Poly Humboldt. On Wednesday, April 22, from 12 to 2 p.m., the City of Arcata Environmental Services Department is joining Green Campus and other student-led groups at this tabling event to share local environmental programs and resources.
• Guided Hike in the Arcata Community Forest. On Wednesday, April 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., join Mike McDowall, the City of Arcata’s Natural Resource Specialist, for an educational walk through one of the community’s most treasured ecosystems. Learn about the forest’s role in supporting biodiversity, carbon storage and watershed health.
• Family and Friends Volunteer Day at Bayside Park Farm. Volunteer in a hands-on farm setting while learning about local food systems and the work of Centro del Pueblo on Friday, April 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants should wear gardening clothes and bring water.

Ways to Take Action

• Reduce Waste by Donating or Recycling. Give unwanted items a second life by participating in a clothing or furniture swap, donating to local thrift stores or recycling them properly instead of sending them to the landfill. A list of businesses accepting donations and resell/trade options is available in the Don’t Dump and Run brochure at cityofarcata.org/790/Waste-Prevention-Resources. Other ways to reduce waste include reusing what is already at home, repairing and repurposing items before getting rid of them, and buying second-hand.

• Ditch Disposable – Use Reusables for Takeout. Bring reusable containers when picking up food from a local spot in Arcata! Customers can bring their own reusable foodware for takeout food and beverages to get a $0.25 discount on their order. Forgot the reusable foodware? No problem, avoid disposables by dining in. Food providers in Arcata are required to use reusable foodware for on-site dining. Learn more about the ordinance at cityofarcata.org/885/Disposable-Foodware-Regulations.
• Reduce Food Waste. When food ends up in landfills, not only are the energy and resources used to produce and transport the food wasted, but it also releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. For resources and tips on how to shop mindfully, store perishables properly, and get creative with leftovers to help reduce waste, visit cityofarcata.org/678/Food-Waste-Prevention.
• Start Composting. Composting reduces the volume of organic waste going to landfills, builds healthy soils and conserves water. Mandatory curbside organics collection is expected to begin in late fall of 2026. Learn more at cityofarcata.org/sb1383. In the meantime, learn to compost at home or sign up for a local service with The Local Worm Guy or Full Cycle Compost to keep nutrients cycling locally. Visit the Arcata Library or the City’s website, cityofarcata.org/294/Composting-Green-Waste-Resources, to learn more about composting and green waste.
• Carbon Emissions Offset Credits. Purchase carbon offsets with the City of Arcata for $37 per metric tonne (or $35 each when purchasing 10 or more). One offset roughly equals the emissions from taking a round-trip flight between San Francisco and New York or driving a mid-sized vehicle 2,000 miles. Purchase forms are available at City Hall from the Environmental Services Department and on the City website at cityofarcata.org/710/Carbon-Sequestration-Other.
• Protect Local Waterways from Stormwater Pollution. Follow stormwater best practices for gardening, vehicle maintenance and construction. Prevent pollutants such as dog poop, pesticides and fertilizers, oil and gasoline, household chemicals and soaps from entering storm drains. Learn about stormwater pollution prevention strategies at cityofarcata.org/352/Stormwater.
• Increase Energy Efficiency. Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is the local Community Choice Energy provide and they offer numerous programs, rebates and energy tips to make homes more energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective. All Humboldt County residents with a PG&E account can order a free Home Energy Efficiency Kit and schedule a free Home Energy Assessment. To learn more about all the Residential Programs, visit redwoodenergy.org/programs-rebates/residential/.
• Choose Sustainable Transportation. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit when possible. Take advantage of local trails and bike-friendly routes. Bicycles are available through Humboldt Bikeshare for those without access to their own. Learn more at tandem-mobility.com/humboldt.

Small, everyday choices, when multiplied across the community, help protect natural resources and build a more sustainable future. For more information about the City of Arcata’s environmental programs and available resources, visit cityofarcata.org/184/Environmental-Services or contact the Environmental Services Department at (707) 822-8184 or [email protected].