San Diego Earth Day History: 1970 to Now
The first Earth Day happened on April 22, 1970. It invited people from around the globe to learn about environmental issues and participate in international movements to protect the Earth. Although much is known about the origins and history of Earth Day on a broader scale, it is important to look back on local San Diego history. San Diegans have observed Earth Day in many ways for 50+ years: from celebrations to rallies, education, art, youth involvement, community cleanups, and more.
1970 - 1989: College Campuses & Small Beginnings
San Diego’s first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 coincided with the first global Earth Day. Local college campuses and high schools led initial Earth Day discussions and events. The University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), University of San Diego, Grossmont College, Southwestern College, Mesa College, and Palomar College all participated in the very first Earth Day! Many colleges served as main gathering spaces, inviting high school students and the public to participate in activities.
The main environmental concerns in 1970 were air pollution and recycling, with other topics ranging from nuclear energy to pesticides. In an effort to stand against air pollution, students and staff at colleges and high schools explored alternative forms of transportation such as riding horses, biking, and walking to campus.
During the first Earth Day 1970, Southwestern College highlighted local environmental issues in the South Bay. South Bay youth displayed the power of student voice when the Chula Vista Mayor proclaimed Earth Day as a direct response to requests from 1,400 junior high students. Although Earth Day was an overall success, it was not without its setbacks. While Coronado High Schoolers hoped for a larger turnout at their Earth Day presentation, UCSD students persevered as they faced a serious security threat.
In 1971, Southwestern College hosted an Earth Week where they invited students and visitors to attend lectures, watch films, and participate in activities. The following year, Cabrillo National Monument hosted an Earth Week Film Festival that highlighted environmental challenges at National Parks. In 1980, SDSU celebrated Earth Day with a focus on conserving finite resources, protecting the Earth, and saving whales. San Diego’s deep-rooted Earth Day foundation fostered the development of visionary ideas and future gatherings.
1990 - 2022: 20th Anniversary & the Balboa Park EarthFair
Many North County Earth Day celebrations began in the 1990s as San Diego neighborhoods expanded. Among these was an annual Pepper Tree Day, known as North County’s Earth Day celebration, which began in 1999. The anticipation of Earth Day’s 20th Anniversary in 1990 brought increased media and public interest. In 1989, this increased attention led about a dozen nonprofits to organize and form the San Diego Earth Day Coalition.
Environmental organizations planned events together, notably organizing EarthFair ‘90 at Balboa Park to celebrate Earth Month. EarthFair was led by Erica Wudtke, Carolyn Chase, and Chris Klein. It was a huge success, bringing 215 exhibitors, ~300 volunteers, and 50,000 visitors! It made history at the time, becoming the largest event ever held at Balboa Park. Even though EarthFair ‘90 was a resounding success, the organizers were surprised by the public’s demand for the fair to return the very next year following the 20th anniversary milestone. Public enthusiasm for EarthFair ‘91 brought more than 60,000 visitors, far surpassing the previous year’s attendance.
In 1991, as it became clear that EarthFair would occur annually, the coalition added the VIP (Very Important Planet) Reception as an invitation-only event that generated funds for EarthFair. After three successful years, the coalition transitioned into a nonprofit corporation in 1993 called San Diego Earth Day (SDED). As SDED began hosting events year-round outside of Earth Month, they decided to change their name in 1997 to San Diego EarthWorks.
San Diego’s EarthFair made global history, becoming the largest free environmental fair and Earth Day celebration in the world! As word spread, visitors and exhibitors outside of San Diego joined in on celebrations as well. Multiple EarthFair years brought an astounding 70,000 visitors to Balboa Park. Excitement built as Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary approached in 2020. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a necessary pivot from gathering in-person to celebrating virtually. After two years without in-person gatherings, EarthFair made a joyful return for its 31st year in 2022. Unfortunately, this comeback marked EarthFair’s final chapter as the dramatic rise in post-pandemic production costs became unsustainable for EarthWorks.
2023 - Present : Balboa Park EarthFest & Looking into the Future
As EarthFair came to a close, a new chapter of San Diego’s Earth Day celebrations began to form. In 2023, the inaugural EarthFest occurred in a smaller portion of Balboa Park. In its first year, it featured all vegan food, 5,000 visitors, and 120 vendors. EarthFest has been led by the same Event Director, Michelle May, through Vegan Food Popup from 2023-2024, and through Viridian Productions beginning in 2025.
San Diegans continue to celebrate Earth Day, with impactful events spread throughout the County. Many organizations and institutions have celebrated Earth Day in San Diego for extended periods of time. I Love a Clean San Diego has hosted the Creek to Bay Cleanup for over two decades and the WorldBeat Center is hosting their 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival!
Much of what was discussed in the early years of San Diego Earth Day still remains relevant today. From addressing local recycling processes to air pollution, composting, planting trees, community cleanups, tackling climate change, and more. A recent focus has been to center equity and justice in environmental efforts. Understanding the intersection of systemic social inequities and environmental hazards is vital to addressing pressing challenges such as the Tijuana River pollution crisis, climate resilience, and air quality issues in San Diego.
If you have not already, check out San Diego Climate Week’s Earth Day Events blog to find amazing events to attend! Each year, San Diegans add a layer to local Earth Day history, making each year important for shaping our future. Understanding the context for Earth Day happenings throughout the years can help us reflect on what has occurred and determine what is to come.
Did this blog spark your curiosity? Learn more about California Earth Day history using the UCR Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research digital newspaper collection.
Credits
Thank you to Luli Harrison, from the San Diego Climate Week team, for suggesting the topic of San Diego Earth Day History for this blog.
In addition, thank you to the San Diego Public Library, Central Library Special Collections, for sharing historical newspaper resources and ephemera.