One year after COVID-19 made it impossible to participate in in-person activities, the longest-running annual environmental event in the area will be resumed in Leon Valley on March 5,
Belinda Ealy (chair of the Leon Valley Earthwise Living Committee) stated that Earthwise Living Day was created to educate people about sustainability practices that benefit the environment and future generations.
Hill Country HeadlinesGet the top stories from the region’s booming region delivered straight to your inbox
Ealy said that you must be the change if you want the world to change. It must start with each one of us.
The committee, a non-profit with seven members, organizes and runs the event. The event received funding from the city of Leon Valley in the amount of $2,700; $2,500 in donations by Tiger Sanitation which provides waste management, recycling, and services to most areas of Leon Valley; as well as $250 each from Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (and the San Antonio River Authority)
Earthwise Living Day’s origins date back to 1989 when Leon Valley residents Chris Riley & Rita Burnside started a campaign to establish a recycling program. Riley, who is now mayor, stated that the recycling group decided to create an annual environmental event to promote recycling.
Riley said that 10 to 15 vendors attended the first Earthwise Living Day in 1990. It was originally called Home and Horticulture Day. It featured speakers and a free lunch of chicken salad with vegetables on glass plates provided by the Garden Club of Leon Valley.
Riley stated that this event is possible because of the dedication of Earthwise Living committee members and the support of City Council as well as business sponsors. This is because the community is committed to educating everyone about how to live sustainably.
Ealy said that this years’ event will feature 16 vendors who create, promote, or make eco-friendly, durable products from recycled materials or provide services that promote healthy living.
There will be activities for children, a tree giveaway and giveaways for two electric bicycles. Students from Pat Neff Middle School, John Jay High School, and Leon Valley Elementary School will also perform.
The Leon Valley Public Library will promote recycling through the Lorax character from Dr. Seuss’ book, The Lorax. Children can also participate in hands-on art projects at the library.
A drop-off area will be available at the event where wine bottle corks can be recycled. Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase food or beverages.
Ealy explained that this year’s Earthwise Living Day, which featured approximately 45 vendors, will be smaller due to COVID-19 precautions. To ensure a safe environment, vendors will have their booths spaced and hand sanitizing stations available.
Last year’s event was restricted online to the Earth Day Sustainable Art Competition, where local elementary, middle, and high school students displayed their environmentally-themed art pieces.
This year’s Earth Day Sustainable Art Competition will be open to students from Leon Valley and Driggers elementary school, Pat Neff Middle School, Marshall High School. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third in the elementary, middle, and high school categories. The Leon Valley Community Center will display the artwork.
CPS Energy will donate 250 trees as part of the giveaway. San Antonio Water System will provide water saving kits for free. The two electric bikes that will go to the winners will be donated by Jose Menendez (State Senator).
A community shredding event is being held in conjunction with Earthwise Living Day. It will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on March 5, in the small lot of the Leon Valley Public Library at 6425 Evers Road. Leon Valley residents are only allowed to drop off one box per household at the drive-thru, dropoff event.
Earthwise Living Day takes place at the Leon Valley Conference Center, 6427 Evers Road. The event is open to all.
