Since 1970, the United States has celebrated Earth Day on April 22. The day marks the anniversary of the birth of the environmental movement. This movement led to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.
Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a Democratic U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, felt he needed to do something after witnessing the 1969 massive off-shore oil spill in Santa Barbara.
The Senator persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair, and recruited Denis Hayes from Harvard as national coordinator.
Ed Begley, Jr.
Fast forward to 2021. On April 20, at 6:30 p.m., the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club will celebrate the day with a Zoom meeting with special guest Ed Begley, Jr. Many may remember the actor from the television series “St. Elsewhere” and “Living with Ed,” or his numerous films that include “Pineapple Express,” “Ghostbusters” and “CHIPS.” He also appears in mockumentaries with Christopher Guest and Palisades Honorary Mayor Eugene Levy, such as “Best in Show.”
Begley has been an environmentalist since 1970 and his previous home (1,585 sq. ft.) was powered by solar, wind and an electricity-generating bicycle that is used to toast bread. He has converted his lawn to a drought-tolerant garden of native California plants. He now lives in a 2,143 sq. ft. home, where he is doing environmental work.
The meeting will also include tips on stopping gas-powered yard equipment, reducing single-use plastics, planting native gardens and considering a solar micro-grid. RSVP at www.palidems.org or email info@palisadesdemclub.org or call.
DEMONSTRATION OF ELECTRIC GARDENING EQUIPMENT:
Resilient Palisades, a nonprofit local environmental group is hosting a special leaf-blower demonstration from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, April 26 at the D’Este Drive strip at Capri Drive (north of Sunset, east of the roundabout). Residents are urged to help gardeners switch from gas to electric, which will decrease smog, carcinogens and noise.
Dan Mabe (AGZA.net) will be demonstrating various models of commercial-grade battery-operated gardening equipment for gardeners. Workers (and others) can test various models, learn more about the annual savings of replacing their gas equipment with commercial-grade alternatives, gain tips on how to maximize battery life, and get the latest info on trade-in rebates from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. All are welcome. There will be free chips and soda.
This is a pilot program aimed at attracting gardeners working in the neighborhood. There is a hope to expand this demonstration to other Palisades neighborhoods if there is a good turnout.