Earth Day Every Day: 10 Simple Ways to Live More Sustainably in San Joaquin County
Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day—a day to honor our planet and recommit to protecting it. Here in San Joaquin County, we’re surrounded by natural beauty—from the fertile farmlands to the Mokelumne River and the scenic trails of Caswell Memorial State Park. There’s no better time to embrace sustainable living and show our local environment some love.
Here are 10 simple, actionable ways to make a difference—this Earth Day and every day after.
1. 🌱 Start a Backyard or Balcony Garden
Whether you’ve got acres in Ripon or a sunny balcony in Stockton, growing your own veggies, herbs, or flowers cuts down on packaging waste and reduces your carbon footprint.
Local tip: Visit Micke Grove’s San Joaquin Master Gardeners program or Delta College’s farmers market for seedlings and expert advice.
2. 🚰 Switch to a Reusable Water Bottle
Ditch single-use plastic and opt for a stainless steel or glass bottle. San Joaquin cities like Lodi and Tracy have clean tap water that makes this swap an easy win.
3. 🛒 Shop Local & Seasonal
Buying produce from local farms reduces transportation emissions and supports our community.
Try:
- Lodi Farmers Market (Thursdays)
- Downtown Stockton Asian Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Escalon Farmers Market (seasonal Sundays)
4. ♻️ Know What to Recycle
Recycling rules vary by city. Check with San Joaquin County Public Works to see what goes in your blue bin and what doesn’t. Avoid “wishcycling” (throwing in non-recyclables and hoping for the best).
5. 🧼 Make Your Green Cleaning Products
Mix vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for a powerful, non-toxic cleaner. Great for homes with kids or pets—and safer for our waterways.
6. 🚲 Drive Less, Ride More
Walk, bike, or use public transit when you can. The San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) has routes that connect many communities across the county.
7. 🧺 Use Reusable Bags and Containers
California law bans plastic bags in stores, but taking it a step further with reusable produce bags or beeswax wraps cuts down even more waste.
8. 🧘♀️ Reduce Energy Use at Home
Turn off lights, unplug unused chargers, and consider switching to LED bulbs. Bonus: It’ll shrink your electric bill too.
9. 🗑️ Start Composting
Composting turns kitchen waste into rich soil for gardens. San Joaquin County offers composting workshops and tips for beginners.
Check out: sjgov.org/solidwaste
10. 🌎 Participate in a Local Cleanup or Tree Planting
Join Earth Day efforts around the county—from Delta College’s annual cleanups to Lodi Lake tree-planting events. It’s a hands-on way to make a visible impact.
You don’t have to do everything all at once—just one small change at a time adds up to a healthier planet and a more resilient San Joaquin County. 🌎💚
