Joe DeLeva is all about protection, whether it’s for people or the environment. It has been on the forefront of the Allentown resident’s mind ever since he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary four years ago.

The auxiliary, which was established in 1939, is comprised of trained, uniformed volunteers charged with promoting safety on the country’s waterways. DeLeva joined the organization after learning about it online. He was drawn to the auxiliary because it gave him a chance to help his community, and even more, the Earth.

DeLeva now serves as the flotilla commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 21-01 in Allentown. He has experience in marketing, which becomes evident whenever he speaks about the organization. He said that if he knew about the Coast Guard’s extensive responsibilities and impact when he was younger, he would have joined up straight out high school.

“Semper paratus is our motto, always ready,” DeLeva said. “You’re always ready for anything, and it’s not just accidents, it’s environmental issues.

“Safety in the water is keeping everything clean, too.”

On Saturday, DeLeva — joined by two of his fellow flotilla members: his wife, Sharlene, and Detective Matt Arner, of the Lehighton Police Department — spent the morning picking up litter near the Lehigh River. They waded deep into a brush of twigs and trees occupying a piece of riverbank in Jim Thorpe.

“It (the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary) allows me to release my inner environmentalist,” Arner said.

DeLeva, Sharlene and Arner decided to walk a path similar to the one they took last year. Over the next hour, the three filled their bags with debris, picking up straws, empty bottles, empty cans — even a discarded can of motor oil.

It was a simple act of service, but for DeLeva, that’s exactly what made it so important. He said that if everybody made an effort to do something small for the environment, then together, the community could “make this a better and safer environment for our families.”

“It’s easy to do,” DeLeva said. “Just be environmentally conscious. Be aware of your surroundings.”

DeLeva’s sentiment was uncomplicated, and not limited to himself. In fact, doing your part and preserving the planet took center stage Saturday as Jim Thorpe celebrated its 22nd Annual Earth Day Festival.

The day boasted a long list of activities, including live music, eco-workshops, crafts, rock climbing and appearances by Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear. It also featured an outdoor market made up of around 30 vendors, selling goods like handmade jewelry, tie-dye clothing and reclaimed wood furniture.

In one of two public book readings held by the Dimmick Memorial Library, children learned from Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” that “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Shelli Holland, owner of Horizons Gifts in Jim Thorpe, started the festival more than two decades ago. She estimates that it brings a few thousand people into the borough.

Each year, Holland said she aims to spotlight the borough by featuring local talent.

“We try to make it more of a community event versus a tourism event,” she said. “I just want them (attendees) to take away a good day in Jim Thorpe.

“Hopefully, when they think about Earth Day, they’ll think about this.”