Earth Day

In this special "Earth Week" guest post, Melissa Hereford, Marin mompreneur and owner of Marin Kids and Maternity Consignment in San Rafael, offers a few reasons why buying gently used items (and selling or donating yours) is good not only for the wallet but for the environment, too.

Her motto is "Saving the earth, one outfit at a time," and she takes the idea seriously!

As we approach another Earth Day, we find ourselves focusing more and more on the recycling movement with our children, the future of the planet, and the limited space in our landfills in mind! Buying gently worn and gently used items is not only about saving money. That is a wonderful aspect of the practice, but it seems to be ever more important to reduce all the waste inherent in both manufacturing and retail. For example, when you buy gently used items, you:

This Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day! At Marin Mommies, we've decided to make it "Earth Week" and focus on conservation, green living, and the environment every day this week. Look for environmentally-themed posts here through Friday, as well as a calendar of Earth Day events for families throughout Marin and the Bay Area.

One of the most immediate and simplist things you can do for the environment is to recycle. But sometimes the task of recycling becomes a little more difficult than just sorting the plastic bottles from the glass and flattening those cardboard boxes. What do you do with batteries? Old worn out Crocs? Flourescent bulbs? Real Simple magazine has a handy online article that literally tells you how to recycle or reuse anything, aptly named "How to Recycle Anything."

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our new Family Events Calendar.

Friday, April 17

• Bring the kids (ages 2–4) to "Plant it Crissy", this Friday from 10 am to noon at the Crissy Field Center. Let the Center share it love of native plants with you and your toddler.  You will learn all about plants and engage in your own “mini-restoration” project. To register call (415) 561-7752, or download the form at www.parksconservancy.org. The cost is $12 per child with pre-registration or $15 at the door.
• There will be a kids nature hike on Friday from 10 am to 2 pm at Mount Burdell Preserve in the Novato hills. David Herlocker, a naturalist with the Marin County Open Space District, will teach kids about reptiles and insects during the exploration of forests and meadows of Mount Burdell. Make sure you bring sturdy shoes, layered clothing, water and snacks. The hike will begin at the district trailhead just off San Andreas Drive near the intersection with San Marin Drive. For information, call Dianah Webb at (415) 499-6387.

Saturday, April 18

• Earth Stroll, An Earth Day extravaganza for the whole family will be taking place at Crissy Field from 11 am to 3 pm. Bring the whole family on an interactive fitness walk around Crissy Field guided by your very own Eco-Passport. Play eco-games, visit with live animals and make strides for a healthy planet and a healthy you at the many activity stations designed to help you connect with this little corner of the planet. Featuring toddler-friendly activities. More info: www.parksconservancy.org.
  
• Mad Hatter's Spring Tea Party takes place at San Rafael's Falkirk Cultural Center this weekend, April 18 and 19. There will be two tea party sittings, noon and 3 pm. Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Dormouse for this wonderland tea party, complete with tea sandwiches, beverages, and dessert. The Mad Hatter and other characters in original costumes will entertain and make the little ones giggle and dream as they sip their “tea.” The cost is $27.50 for adults and $22.50 for children, which includes all the food you can eat and a goodie bag for each child. Reservations are required, so reserve your spot. Call (415) 485-3333 for reservations. This event is not appropriate for children under 2. For more information and photos, visit www.falkirkculturalcenter.org
• Bring the whole family to Fishing in the City and live music at Scottsdale Pond on Saturday from 8 am to noon. The fishing clinics run a half hour and start at 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10 and 10:30 am. This free event is co-sponsored by the City of Novato, the State Department of Fish and Game, and the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise. They will be providing the bait, tackle and rod. Anyone 16 years and older do need a fishing license. There will also be entertainment at the Scottsdale Pond Gazebo. Pre-registration is advised to ensure a space, however, drop-ins are welcome if space is available. To pre-register call (415) 899-8200 and use codes for clinics 8:00am/13010, 8:30am/13011, 9:00am/13012, 9:30am/13013, 10:00am/13014 and 10:30am/13015.
• Earth Day Restoration Work Day on Saturday from 9–11am at Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. Celebrate Earth Day by bringing your family and friends for a morning of restoration and clean-up at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. We may be removing trash, invasive plants, helping with restoration projects, or improving trails. Appropriate for young children. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Free. RSVP: 388-2524.
• Andean music group Los Mapaches will be performing a children’s show featuring festive music from Peru and Bolivia at La Pena in Berkeley on Saturday at 10:30 am. Journey through the Andes on zampoñas and bombos and then to the coasts with tambores y cantos. Vengan a cantar y a bailar! Come to dance and sing along! Tickets are Adults $5, Kids $4, Family Pass $12. 10:30am. For more info, go to www.lapena.org.
• Worm Bin Workshop takes place on Saturday from 11:30 am–12:30 pm at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Tiburon. Learn how to make a worm bin for your home or classroom! Worm bins keep food waste out of landfills and produce wonderful soil for your garden. Appropriate for families or individuals. Cost: $40 (includes bin, info packet, & starter worms). Advance Registration Suggested: (415) 388-2524.
• Kids 5 years and under can run, jump and play in an open gymnastics environment at CalStar Gymnastics Indoor Power Play. Bring the kids in on a rainy day to burn off some of that energy. This program takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 10:30 am. $8 CalStar members, $10 non-members. CalStar Gynmastics is on Novato at 70 Digital Drive Suite 3 (off Bel Marin Keys Boulevard). More info: www.calstar.info or (415) 382-7827