Earth Day 2016

Pauline Lee

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 involved 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The movement encourages awareness of growing problems of air, water and soil pollution and promotes ecology and respect for life on the planet. The passages of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental laws soon followed. Soon, more than one billion people worldwide will participate in the 46th annual Earth Day, making it the largest civic observance in the world. The goals are to build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations.

Typical ways of observing Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, and practicing recycling and conservation to extend the life of our natural resources including water and energy. People can drive less, use public transportation, bike or walk. Television stations frequently air programs dealing with environmental issues; and local organizations may have special activities for people to join on Earth Day.

Phoenix is observing her seventh annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 23 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The theme is Help Keep Phoenix Beautiful on Earth Day 2016. You will find exhibitors, mini eco-classes and even a beer garden with Sun Up Brewing Company and Brewhouse. In keeping with Earth Day, this will be a zero-waste event where everything will be recyclable or compostable. The location is PHX Renews at 4221 N Central Ave., Phoenix. While limited parking is available at Steele Indian School Park, attendees are encouraged to use the following modes of transportation:

Light Rail: There is a stop right outside the front entrance of Phoenix Renews at the northeast corner of Central and Indian School

Uber: New users can get their first ride free up to $20 by using code EarthDayPHX

Biking: Grid Bike Share has a stop nearby. Participants who ride their bikes to the event are eligible to win a Grid Bike Share annual membership

A rain barrel construction and giveaway will be sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company and Watershed Management Group. You can join the construction lesson and giveaway while supplies last! There will be 100 available kits. The rain barrel will help to collect rain water from the roof to water your garden, saving our limited fresh water resource from aquifers in Sun Lakes.

Help celebrate April 22 Earth Day by picking a project to help sustain the health of our Earth home!