Celebrate Earth Month in Arizona: Local Events, Cleanups and Sustainable Businesses to Support
Earth Month — It’s about more than just a symbolic mention on April’s calendar. It is a globally recognized movement designed to raise awareness and activate changes in behavior, from habits to simple conversations, that when taken as a whole could foster positive momentum and meaningful change.
It’s no secret that Arizona is susceptible to the impacts of climate change on our one and only planet, as politicians negotiate water rights, farmers mitigate drought, municipal leaders manage heat-related challenges, and individuals see energy prices climb.
The good news is, climate resilience is local work, meaning it happens in small bites and takes many different shapes. It originates with and is fostered by individuals, just like you. Consumers who choose to make purchases from or support local businesses that employ eco-conscious and sustainable practices allow those businesses to continue to make an impact on the local economy, the environment and the climate.
That means spending with purpose has real impact.
To help you find and support local businesses doing valuable climate resilience work, we’ve pulled together a few suggestions of people and places fighting the good fight for Arizona’s environment — during Earth Month and all year long.
Sustainable Local Businesses To Support
For Earth Month, and every month, consider finding ways to support locally owned businesses that have committed to sustainable practices. Many businesses have gone the extra mile by participating in Local First Arizona’s Green Business Boot Camp and Green Business Certification programs. Here are a few (visit the Green Business Directory for more).
Sustainable food & farms:
In the Valley, enjoy a farm-to-table experience at The Farm at South Mountain, treat yourself or your coworkers to Rosies Mini Donuts or take yourself out for a steak and tamale pie at El Corral Ranch House in Tucson. For drinks, consider a visit to any of Arizona Wilderness Brewing’s locations or Drink Me Tea Room in Tempe.
More Green-certified businesses: Stock up on herbal medicines at Kaya Holistic in Phoenix, offload scrap metal at Recyco in Tucson, or warm up with a cup of coffee at Brick Road Coffee in Tempe. Work with Pool Osmosis in Scottsdale to recycle rather than drain your pool water, stay at the Pines Inn and Suites on your next visit to Cottonwood, or book MISGIF photo booths next time you host an event in Phoenix.
Earth Month Events Across Arizona
Across the state, Arizonans are coming together in a variety of ways — from festivals and farmers markets to hands-on volunteer cleanups. Here are a few ways to get involved.
Featured Event: Chris Higgins Earth Day Cleanup and Festival in Payson
Looking for a hands-on way to celebrate Earth Month? The Chris Higgins Earth Day Cleanup and Festival on April 18 in Payson brings together environmental action, community connection and a little joy.
In partnership with Keep Arizona Beautiful and the Humane Society of Central Arizona, the day begins with a community cleanup and volunteer effort, followed by a family-friendly afternoon gathering with shared food, music, art and opportunities to connect — including adoptable pets on site.
It’s a reminder that caring for Arizona starts at the local level — with neighbors showing up for each other and the places we call home.
Learn more or sign up to volunteer by contacting Jesse Barry at hlp.full.community@gmail.com or (928) 592-8394.
Celebrate Throughout the State:
Festivals: In Carefree, an Earth Day Celebration will be held April 18th from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is hosting Earth Month events in Yuma on April 13th, Sierra Vista on April 20th and in Sacaton on April 21st. Earth Day celebrations will be held on April 22nd in Flagstaff, Tucson and Chandler.
Volunteer clean-ups:Local First Arizona’s Heart & Soil People’s Garden welcomes volunteers for an Earth Month clean-up throughout April, while the Arizona Department of Transportation is hosting Earth Day highway clean-ups. Tucson will host citywide clean-up events during Earth Month, and Salt River clean-ups are held in March and April to remove debris and protect wildlife on the river’s banks.
Educational panels: Central Arizona College is hosting an educational event at its Signal Peak campus in Coolidge on April 22nd, while Estrella Mountain Community College will host the Earth-Forward Summit April 7th. The Yavapai-Apache Nation will celebrate Earth Day with an educational event on April 25th at Veterans Memorial Park in Camp Verde, and Queen Creek is hosting a pair of educational workshops in April addressing residential landscaping.
Farmers markets: Support local growers and producers at any number of farmers markets in April across the state, including the Agritopia Farm Night Market in Gilbert, the Roadrunner Park Farmers Market in Phoenix and the Heirloom Farmers Markets in the Tucson area.
Earth Month is also a great time for locally-owned businesses that embrace sustainable practices to offer specials on their goods and services. So keep an eye out for deals, workshops and discounts on sustainable or eco-conscious items from your favorite local entrepreneurs.
Additional Resources:
Looking for more sustainably minded Arizona businesses? Check out our Green Business Directory.
Find a Farmers Market in your area.
To learn more about the Green Business Boot Camp offered by Local First Arizona, click here.
Help Local First Keep Arizona Beautiful: buy a plate, join the Green Team or find a Clean-Up.
