The Organic Garden Club has been participating in Thousand Oaks Earth Day for many years. Earth Day is about celebrating an organic way of life. Growing and eating food that heals our bodies as well as the soil, water, and air of our planet. Each decision we make, from what we buy to how we dispose of items, has an impact on our environment. 

Diana gave a speech in 1970 at the first Earth Day before TV cameras in downtown Los Angeles about the danger of pesticides and plastics, and she is still talking about saving the planet! Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future with sustainable solutions like growing your own organic food!

Organic Garden Club members had a blast celebrating Earth Day at Thousand Oaks Community Center. On Earth Day, the community was excited to learn about our organic veggie, herb, flower and fruit starters! When we use our consumer power and buy organic produce at the grocery store, we support small local organic farmers who are improving our food quality and our environment.

Thanks to all our members who volunteered in our booth through the years and shared with the community the value of eating and growing organic food!  We appreciate those members who brought organic fruit and veggie starters they grew at home. Earth Day is about creating a sustainable future for the next generation by organically producing food, water, and energy, through working with nature.

The Organic Garden Club spread the message that healthy soil creates healthy people, eco friendly environments, and involved communities. Gut health, mental well being, and soil health are connected. Food from healthy soil can inoculate the gut with beneficial microbes. Conversely, unhealthy soil and the use of agricultural poisons and chemicals can negatively impact both soil and gut microbiomes.

Supervisor Linda Parks, Ventura County Board of Supervisors 2003 -2022, always visited the Organic Garden Club on Earth Day, as she was instrumental in starting our club! We are grateful to her for her continued support of organic principles, living with wildlife, native planting, and environmental justice. A new park was named for her in Camarillo next to the Growing Works Nursery, as well as the courtyard at the Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve. This year, we were visited by Thousand Oak Mayor, David Newman, whose dad filmed the first Earth Day in New York City in 1970! Grateful for the Mayor’s support of sustainability, recycling, and resilience.

Let’s make every day Earth Day! Each one of us can make a difference! Grow an Organic Food Garden where you live! Eat organic fruits and veggies! Get out and walk in nature! These activities improve heart health, reduce stress, and increase brain functions! Reduce plastic: use reusable bags, glass or stainless steel water bottles, and recycle. Compost kitchen and yard waste! Plant a tree! Nature is the most valuable resource we have! Let’s make a difference together!