Foster City sustainability committee plans scaled Earth Day presence, swap‑meet idea revived for summer

Members of the Foster City Citizen Sustainability Advisory Committee discussed plans to boost public engagement and pilot community events at the Feb. 11 meeting.

Committee members proposed bringing back a swap‑meet-style event that previously ran before the pandemic — a community garage‑sale where leftover items are donated to partnerships such as Goodwill or local charities. Participants suggested holding the event later in the year (June or September) to avoid spring weather and to increase volunteer and vendor participation.

For Earth Day (April), the group agreed a scaled approach is feasible: a CSAC booth in front of the library or a presence at an off‑the‑grid or farmers‑market event that leverages existing crowds. "We can do a smaller Earth Day either in front of the library or at Off the Grid," staff said, and members discussed having themed activities (induction‑cooking demo, information on composting) and sustainable giveaways such as reusable water bottles with committee stickers.

Members also discussed Coastal Cleanup Day (September) and the city’s ability to supply volunteers and booths, and they agreed staff and subcommittees will contact Recology, Parks & Recreation and nonprofit partners to scope logistics. The committee asked for assignments and a planning subcommittee to firm up dates, vendor lists and promotional materials before the next meeting.

The committee will revisit event details in March and will assign specific subcommittee leads and communications editors to execute the outreach plan.