SE Valley Times

Mesa, Arizona - Mesa is commemorating Earth Month by hosting various events throughout April to celebrate and raise awareness about environmental sustainability. Scott Bouchie, Energy and Sustainability Director, expressed Mesa's dedication to protecting natural resources, stating, “Earth Month is the perfect time to showcase Mesa’s commitment to protect and conserve our natural resources for our residents, businesses and future generations.”

Bouchie highlighted Mesa's ongoing efforts, mentioning, “Mesa’s Climate Action Plan – which focuses on air quality, heat mitigation, energy, materials management, food systems and water stewardship – ensures that Mesa has the planet in mind not just in April, but all year long.”

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in the city's Earth Month activities. One of the highlighted events includes the Living Green Village at Celebrate Mesa on April 13, featuring educational activities for all ages. Attendees can learn about various topics such as trees, gardening, recycling, and water conservation.

The city also offers a plethora of resources on its website, with more than 50 tips for sustainable living, including information on Mesa's composting program, seed library, and water-saving ideas. Additionally, Mesa Library is hosting Walk-in Wednesdays on April 17 and 24, providing hands-on sustainable crafts and activities for children.

Businesses in Mesa are invited to join the Green Business Certification program to enhance their sustainability practices. The program is a partnership between the City of Mesa and Local First Arizona, aiming to promote environmental stewardship among local businesses.

Furthermore, Mesa residents can learn about sustainable gardening at a free workshop on April 11, conducted by expert gardener Angela Judd at Mesa Main Library. Students in Mesa Public Schools are also encouraged to participate in the annual Earth Day Art Contest, with exciting prizes and the opportunity to have a tree planted at their school.

For those looking to make environmentally friendly choices at home, the Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) Facility is offering a special promotion on April 19 and 20, providing natural cleaner recipes to visitors who drop off accepted items.

In line with Mesa's sustainability initiatives, residents are encouraged to utilize their Mesa Library card to access resources promoting sustainable living. Mesa's Earth Month celebrations aim to educate and engage the community in efforts to protect the environment.