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 is the chair of the Leon Valley Earthwise Living Committee. She stated that Earthwise Living Day aims to educate people about sustainable practices that protect the environment, and benefit future generations.
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Ealy stated that if you want to see change in the world, then you have to be the 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, now the mayor, stated that the recycling committee decided on an annual environmental event in order to spread the message of 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 stated 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.
The event will feature activities for children as well as a tree giveaway, giveaways of two electric bikes, and musical performances from students at John Jay High School, Pat Neff Middle School, and Leon Valley Elementary School.
The Leon Valley Public Library is encouraging recycling through the Lorax character of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. The library will also offer hands-on art activities to children.
The event will have a designated area where attendees can drop off wine corks for recycling. Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase food or beverages.
Ealy stated that this year’s Earthwise Living Day will have fewer vendors than previous events, which had approximately 45 participants. 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. Two electric bikes 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 can only drop-off at the drop-off location. There is a limit of one household per office box.
Earthwise Living Day takes place at the Leon Valley Conference Center, 6427 Evers Road. The event is open to all.
