Earth Day Events Planned for Maricopa County, Arizona

Earth Day 2010 marks the 40^th anniversary of this global environmental event. Maricopa County, Arizona has many events planned. Take the time to participate in one of these Phoenix area Earth Day activities and make the Earth a greener place!

Scout's Electronic Fest- Electronic Recycling

In partnership with Westech Recyclers, Boy Scouts Troup 446 will take your donation of unwanted electronics, working or not, the scouts will even help you unload your vehicle. You may also purchase used and refurbished electronic equipment at this event.
When: Sunday, April 18, 5:30am - 10:30am
Where: Scottsdale Pavilions Shopping Center,Indain Bend Rd.,Scottsdale, Arizona
Web site: http://www.electronicfest.com/

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community- "Earth Is Life-Preserve It" Event

Everyone is welcome to the 6^th annual Earth Day celebration hosted by SRPMIC. Activities will include a Community Clean-up, Native Tree Planting, an Environmental Fair, and more. Lunch, shirts, and environmentally friendly materials will be shared with all participants.
When: Saturday, April 24, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Lehi Community Center, 1231 East Oak Street, Mesa AZ. 85203
Web site:http://www.saltriverenvironmental.org/

Earth Day Cut-a- Thon

Proceeds from haircuts, facials, massages and pedicures serviced at this event will benefit the local charity Western Resource Advocates, which focuses on the use of renewable energy. You will need to call for an appointment.
When: Sunday, April 11, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Where: Mood Swings Salon, 520 S. Mill Ave., Tempe AZ. 85281
Phone: 480-907-3903
Web site:www.moodswingssalon.com

Earth Day Celebration at Ikea

The first 100 people to register for the e-mail list and deposit plastic bags in the front lobby receive a free plant with a pot and an Ikea recyclable bag.
When: Thursday, April 22, 10:00am - 9:00pm
Where: Ikea Store, 2110 W. Ikea Way, Tempe, AZ. 85284
Web site:www.ikea.com/us/en/store/tempe

Earth Day Phoenix

Phoenix Businesses and city, state and county departments will have exhibits on display that provide information on recycling and sustainability topics, such as water waste reduction and efficient energy. There will be giveaways and a special ceremony will be held to honor those individuals whose efforts have gone above and beyond to help keep Phoenix beautiful. Free Admission
When: Thursday, April 22, 11:00am - 1:30pm
Where: Cesar Chavez Plaza, 201 W. Washington St. Phoenix AZ. 85003
Web site:http://www.keepphxbeautiful.org/

Keep Our Planet Neat, Recycle Your Car Seat

Volunteers will dismantle car seats and recycle all metal and plastic parts in honor of Earth Day. Trained technicians can answer questions and provide car-seat checks to make sure car seats have been installed properly. This event will be held in the north parking lot closest to Lucille's Smokehouse Barbecue. Free Admission
When: Thursday, April 22, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ. 85821
Web site:www.tempemarketplace.com

Climate Quilt Campaign

Children can decorate a quilt square with their own climate pledge, the squares will be made into quilts to be displayed throughout the world, including the United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen, in celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day.
When & Where: Thursday, April 8, 3:30pm - 4:30pm at Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ.
Tuesday, April 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm at Main Library, 64 E. First Street, Mesa, AZ.
Wednesday, April 14, 3:30pm - 4:30pm at Dobson Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ.
Web site:http://climatequilt.org/aboutUs.html

Multi-Purpose Recycling Day - Green Day Challenge

Tempe Residents can participate in any of these event activities:

Shred-A-Thon, bring your confidential documents to be securely shredded and eliminate the potential for identity theft.
E-Waste, Recycle your technology items such as; computers, cell phones, printers, monitors, DVD players, VCR's,televisions,and stereos.
Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, recycle your used athletic shoes. Nike's recycle program turns them into Nike Grind, a product used in playground and sport surfaces.
Bag Central Station, bring your plastic shopping bags to have them recycled.
Household products recycling, bring your household hazard waste materials to be disposed.
Free admission. Each participant will receive a free reusable shopping bag. All items brought to this event will be recycled therefore keeping them out of the landfill.

When: Saturday, April 10, 7:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Tempe Household Products Collection Center, 1320 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ.
Web site: www.tempe.gov/recycling

Green Life Now Expo

Have fun with the whole family during this Earth Day event, you will learn more about nature, the environment, and the outdoors. Special guests will provide information booths and entertaining presentations.
When: Saturday, April 24, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ.
Web site: http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=682

What Can I Do On My Own?

Here is a list of personal habits you can change to make a difference everyday:

Carpool instead of driving to work or school by yourself.
Use reusable shopping bags instead of paper or plastic bags.
Turn of lights and appliances when you leave a room.
Compost your yard waste instead of filling the landfill.
Ride your bike or walk when you are traveling short distances.
Recycle items in your local recycling programs, if your community does not have a program, volunteer to start one.

Sources: www.about.com/phoenix
www.azcentral.com/phoenix