9 “Green” Ways To Celebrate Earth Day This Year in Newport Beach
Earth Day is Monday, April 22, which marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. And in an effort to celebrate and preserve our planet’s beauty, we’re eager to live as eco-friendly as possible. There are a number of ways to lower our carbon footprint, such as riding a bike instead of driving or opting for a plant-based meal. Here are 9 ways to go green this week in Newport Beach in honor of Earth Day!
Join Lido House for a celebration of our planet on April 21, where you’ll get to participate in a 50-minute yogalates class, led by Lululemon Yoga Ambassador Veesta V. This unique session will blend the best of yoga and mat pilates, leaving you feeling centered and strong. Mats and props will be provided; all you need to bring is a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Following the class, attendees can unleash their creativity with a fun and sustainable art project using eco-friendly paper, watercolors, and unique ocean treasures. Proceeds of this Earth Day in Newport Beach will benefit the Surfrider Foundation and Sea Trees, organizations dedicated to protecting our oceans and restoring kelp forests.
2 | Save Fuel and Bike Around Town
While driving may be the easy option, parking in Newport Beach can be tricky. Instead, swap out your car keys for an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes! This five-star rental company on the Balboa Peninsula has a large selection of premium electric bikes for you to choose from. The best part? You can easily zip from place to place while soaking in some vitamin D!
3 | Earth Day at the Bay Celebration
If you’re passionate about sustainability, come celebrate Earth Day 2024 at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center on Saturday, April 20! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Newport Bay Conservancy will host Earth Day at the Bay, where guests can enjoy a free, family-friendly day full of hands-on arts and crafts, educational activities and science discovery. There will also be live music, booths, food trucks and a scavenger hunt for prizes and giveaways! For more info on this event, click here.
4 | Plant-Based Eats
Make your health (and the environment) a priority this Earth Day, and opt for a fresh vegan meal at one of Newport Beach’s plant-based restaurants. Because their production requires fewer natural resources and less energy in comparison to animal-based eats, vegan foods are more sustainable and less taxing on the environment. Stop by Cafe Gratitude for a bowl or wrap or Jan’s Health Bar for the Earth Salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, sprouts, mushrooms, cheese and sunflower seeds. Gracias Madre is also a stellar spot for some plant-based Mexican fare, which features everything from Mole and Mushroom Tamales to Soy Chorizo Nachos.
5 | Earth Day Beach Yoga & Clean Up
Put on by local yoga studio RA Yoga, this Earth Day event is a great way to get outside, get moving and appreciate the natural beauty of Newport Beach! Celebrate Mother Earth and get your sweat on with a 5K run (9 a.m.) and an all-levels yoga class and meditation (10:45 a.m.). At 10:45 a.m., there will be a raffle with special prizes from partners, like lululemon, Fill Up Buttercup, and Milligram Coffee, followed by a beach clean up that begins at 11 a.m.. Meet at Lifeguard Tower 28, and be sure to bring a paper bag or bucket to collect trash.
6 | Refill, Please!
The beauty industry produces tons of plastic waste each year, and unfortunately, has no plans of cutting back. Little Shop by the Sea on the Balboa Peninsula boasts an assortment of organic home goods, natural skincare products and eco-friendly gifts. Each product sold is plastic-free, making this quaint store a leader in sustainability. The shop will even refill your empty containers with their selection of organic bath and beauty products! Just bring your containers in, fill them up, and a store associate will weigh them to determine the price.
7 | When in Doubt, Thrift It Out
Fast fashion may be tempting, as it’s easy, accessible and pretty much everywhere we look. However, if you’re on the hunt for a few spring wardrobe items, skip the shopping malls and pop into one of Newport Beach’s thrift stores. Swellegant Vintage Clothing on Newport Boulevard features a stellar selection of retro finds, including sweaters, dresses, bags and accessories. Recycled Rags in Corona del Mar is also a great brick-and-mortar store for authentic vintage and designer items.
8 | Anchor’s Away!
While boating is undoubtedly a popular activity in Newport Beach, we encourage you to try a new skill like sailing! Newport Beach Sailing Charters specializes in private skipper-lead sailing charters, which will save you tons of money in gas compared to your typical boat rental. Each one of the company’s captains is also a sailing instructor, so they can show you the ropes. Hop aboard and experience one of the city’s oldest recreational activities while also putting the environment first.
9 | Earth Day Specials at Roger’s Gardens
Perched on multiple lush acres in the heart of Corona del Mar, Roger’s Gardens is a serene space blooming with florals and greenery. This garden center takes pride in educating people on the importance of sustainable practices, and this Earth Day, you can receive 25% off all Native plants and a complimentary Oak seedling plant with any gardening purchase! During Earth week, you can also recycle all your plastic plant containers by bringing them into Roger’s Gardens and they will double their donation to the Surfrider Foundation for every plastic container returned.
