When the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, it represented a radical idea. It aimed to organize educational events and mobilize activists around various environmental issues, harnessing the protest spirit of the 1960s and transitioning it into a more structured approach. While grassroots elements and environmental activism still exist today, much has changed in fifty-five years. Most companies and governments now have sustainability departments, and protecting the environment has become a crucial part of doing business in the United States and much of the world.
Angela Scott-Briggs in her recent article in TechBullion, The City of Riverside: The Innovation & Sustainability Hub of California, tells the story of how the large presence of Colleges and Universities and a conscious investment, by the City to court green tech businesses and environmental institutions has put Riverside in an excellent position to lead the next wave of the green economy.
Message from Rafael Guzman, Assistant City Manager/Chief Sustainability Officer
The City of Riverside is excited to celebrate Earth Day this year! Riverside is taking big steps to become a greener, healthier community, with exciting projects improving the environment and quality of life for everyone. There have been lots of exciting developments, including the grand opening of Ohmio, an autonomous all electric shuttle manufacturing business, the groundbreaking of the Northside Agricultural Innovation Center, the relaunch of the Green Business Program, and the launch of the Clean Air Car Share Program. There are plenty of ways residents can get involved in the fun as well, including participating in the upcoming Climate Action and Adaptation Plan development through Riverside2025, participating in the City Blue Zones Kick-off Festival and certification project, signing up for Recycle from Home, and taking advantage of rebates for a more water and energy efficient home. With over 50 parks, 1,600 acres of open space, and 150 miles of bikeways, Riverside continues to offer ample opportunities to get outside and enjoy Earth Day. Together, we're building a brighter, green future for everyone.
Riverside Earth Day 2025 Events
Earth Day Official Celebration
For a general overview of the holiday. How it started and what it looks like around the world, check out the official website of earthday.org
Earth Day Advisory Event at the Food Lab
Celebrate Earth Day by helping shape Riverside's future at the Food Lab, 3605 Market, on April 22nd for a special community input session where you can share your vision for your neighborhood's needs. This event gives you the opportunity to advise city planners on where your neighborhood needs housing, shops, open space, and other improvements. As part of the General Plan Update (GPU) and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), your feedback is crucial in defining Riverside's future.
Downtown Neighborhood Garage Sale
Modern Dwellings Realty has organized a Downtown Neighborhood Yard Sale on April 19, 2025. Support sustainability through reuse and recycling. You can save something from the landfill, find a new purpose for someone’s castaways, and get outside, on the tree-lined streets of downtown Riverside. The approximate location of the sales is from the cemetery to the park, between Redwood and University.
Riverside Insect Fair
The Riverside Insect Fair is one of the most popular family events in Riverside. You will find all of the creepy, crawly, bug activities, but the fair is so much more. Find out about the important role insects play in our ecosystem and some of the jobs we have found for bugs. The Insect Fair takes place Saturday, April 26th at the Main Library 3600 Main St, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Flower Show at Elks Lodge
The Riverside Community Flower Show and Garden Tour takes place at the Elks Lodge, 6166 Brockton Avenue, offering a perfect Earth Day outing. This free event showcases water-wise plantings, heritage gardens, and eco-friendly landscaping techniques that honor our citrus legacy while promoting environmental stewardship for future generations. For just $10, visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of six beautiful local home gardens featuring our region's citrus heritage alongside innovative water conservation approaches, with Master Gardeners available to answer all your gardening questions.
Food Insecurity Art Installation
Local arts Rebecca Waring-Crane has created a poignant piece of public art, calling attention to local children’s food insecurity. Over 400 volunteers cut out and hung over 16,000 paper spoons from the ceiling in the Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Pkwy. The installation is complete and can be viewed during regular school hours. A reception will take place Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm.
Arbor Day / Earth Day Clean-Ups
If you’re looking to put in the work for Earth Day, Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) has two opportunities on the west side of town. Volunteers will meet at Riverwalk Crossings (Riverwalk and Collett) and Arlington Park (Magnolia and Van Buren), for a variety of clean-up and beautification projects. You can sign up here.
