Earth Day celebrations in Arizona

Earth Day, Arizona, things to do, activities, families, kids, children, parents
Earth Day is a chance to celebrate our natural resources and learn ways to protect them.

When my daughter and I walk outside our home, we sometimes spot receipts, bottle caps or glossy brochures lingering in the gravel. I ask her to throw these items in our garbage can. If there are recyclable boxes, magazines or cans, I encourage her to drop them in the recycle bin.

It’s a step toward adopting a green lifestyle. However, protecting our earth requires more than picking up trash or recycling.

Earth Day is Friday, April 22. Here are some local events that celebrate our planet and help us learn ways to protect it.

Big Blue Marble (Friday-Sunday April 22-24). The Phoenix Chorale concludes its season with a concert celebrating Earth. The thought-provoking program features Frank Ticheli’s “Earth Song,” Eric Whitacre’s “Water Night” and music by composers Maggi Payne, Shawn Crouch, Jake Runestad, Samuel Barber and more. 7:30 p.m. Location varies each night. $32; $27 seniors/military, $13 students. phoenixchorale.org.

Earth Day Storytime (Friday, April 22). Relax outdoors with story time followed by an Earth Day craft to commemorate the planet and encourage supporting nature and our environment. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. 480-350-5500 or tempe.gov.

Earth Day Phoenix (Saturday, April 23). Visit exhibits and watch mini-eco classes. In the spirit of Earth Day, no parking is allowed on site. Visitors are encouraged to ditch their keys by biking or using UBER or the light rail. The event is intended to be waste free. Everything will be recyclable or compostable. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. PHX Renews, 4221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. earthdayphoenix.org.

Flagstaff Earth Day (Saturday, April 23). In Heritage Square, 40 vendors will offer information on various ways to protect the earth. Visit workshops and enjoy live entertainment while eating local food. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. City Hall South Lawn, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. 928-213-2154 or visitaz.com.

Great Cloth Diaper Change (Saturday, April 23). Zoolikins will host the sixth annual event that brings cloth-diapering parents together to try to break the current World Record of 8,459 babies being changed at one time around the world. 11:00 a.m. 7118 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale. zoolikins.com

Phoenix Z00 (Saturday, April 23). Learn how to reduce, recycle and reuse at the zoo. Visit “earth destinations” to learn about water and energy conservation, recycling and non-toxic cleaning. This is a great way for kids to to wander the zoo and also learn about protecting the earth. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with zoo admission. 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org.

Planet Celebration (Saturday, April 23). The Desert Botanical Garden features pollinators for its Planet Celebration this year. Walk on five unique trails and listen as Central Arizona Conservation Alliance members discuss and present activities on recycling, composting, wildlife and pollination. Free with garden admission. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org.

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