On April 19, 2025, communities across the United States celebrated Earth Day with various events aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. In Clifton, New Jersey, City Green's Farm Eco-Center hosted a vibrant festival that engaged families and children in hands-on activities, while San Francisco's Yerba Buena Gardens served as a hub for eco-conscious businesses and government partners to showcase their commitment to green practices.
In Clifton, the Earth Day celebration at City Green's Farm Eco-Center was filled with laughter and learning. Young participants, including 4-year-old Audrey Lucero, were seen watering plants, an activity that embodies the spirit of nurturing the environment. Similarly, 5-year-old Mateo Lasso joined his mother, Natalia Avendano, to water flowers, highlighting the festival's focus on engaging the next generation in environmental stewardship. Families enjoyed the opportunity to connect with nature, as seen with Chirag Gandhi, his wife Bhoomi, and their 2-year-old son, Samay, who joyfully made mud pies during the festivities.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the Earth Day Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens was part of the city's Climate Week. The San Francisco Environment Department organized the Green Business Expo, featuring over 400 certified green businesses that met stringent environmental standards. Attendees enjoyed live music from the teenage band Swami 3 and participated in a tree planting demonstration, further emphasizing the day's theme of sustainability.
Mayor Daniel Lurie made a notable appearance at the Climate Action Youth Summit, which kicked off the weekend's events on April 18, 2025. He praised the efforts of the youth in exploring sustainability across various sectors, stating that they were "doing incredible work proving once again that the future is bright here in San Francisco." This sentiment resonated throughout the festival, as attendees collected stickers and pamphlets from various booths, eager to learn more about eco-friendly practices.
Among the businesses represented, Lilaque stood out with its innovative plant-based gel nail polish and 3D printed press-on nails. Founder Julie Cushen, who holds a doctorate in chemical engineering, explained how her products differ from traditional nail polish, which is often made from petrochemicals. "It seemed like something that was very, very compatible with our mission statement," she said of the city's green certification, which her company received six months ago.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelman also attended the Green Business Expo, where he expressed appreciation for the variety of booths promoting sustainability. He noted the event's significance against the backdrop of federal funding cuts for climate-related projects, stating, "This event is very much in the shadow of what’s happening with the federal government." His concern highlighted the importance of local initiatives in combating climate change, especially in light of the challenges posed by shifting political landscapes.
As part of the Earth Day festivities, the Secondhand Saturdays vintage street market kicked off its fourth season with special activities, while the World Naked Bike Ride planned a trek through the city as a "Protest to Save Our Planet." These events reflect a growing movement among citizens to advocate for environmental protection and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the city volunteer organization Refuse Refuse is set to host an All Day Earth Day Cleanup on April 22, 2025, from City Hall to the Embarcadero, encouraging community involvement in keeping the city clean.
Both events in Clifton and San Francisco underscore a collective commitment to environmental awareness and action. As families and individuals come together to celebrate Earth Day, they not only honor the planet but also inspire future generations to continue advocating for a sustainable world.
