Mesa celebrates Mother Earth with April programs, events

Mesa is commemorating Earth Month by hosting various events throughout April.

“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,” Scott Bouchie, energy and sustainability director, said in a relese. “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.”

Mesa invites residents and businesses to join the city in celebrating Earth Month:

• Check out the city’s website at https://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/sustainability/earth-day/earth-day-events to find more than 50 fun, easy, and locally relevant tips just in time for Earth Day, including information about Mesa’s composting program, seed library, incentives for grass removal, great water-saving ideas and activities for kids.
• Join Mesa library staff for Walk-in Wednesdays to celebrate Earth Day 2-3 p.m. April 17 and 24 at Mesa Main Library, 64 E. First St. Children can participate in a series of hands-on sustainable crafts and STEM activities as well as a craft supply swap. Find details on the Mesa Library events calendar for April at https://events.mesalibrary.org/ .
• Mesa invites businesses to participate in the Green Business Certification program, a partnership with the city of Mesa and Local First Arizona. Make your business more sustainable and join other Mesa businesses that are leading the way in environmental stewardship. Go to https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/green-building-green-businesses .
• Mesa Public Schools grade K-6 students are encouraged to participate in the annual Earth Day Art Contest. Students are invited to create a piece of art about trees or recycling for a chance to win exciting prizes including up to $400 in school supplies for their classroom. This year, each MPS elementary school with participating students will also have a new tree planted on campus. Contest entries are due via online submission at by Monday, April 15.

Earth Month is celebrated throughout April to increase awareness about environmental sustainability and Earth Day. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, to showcase the many ways we can protect and care for our planet, and this momentous day continues to be recognized around the world, the release states.

To learn more about Mesa’s Earth Month events or sustainability initiatives and tips, go to https://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/sustainability/earth-day .