Earth Day is Monday — here are 4 ways to celebrate in Phoenix

BrieAnna J. Frank
The Republic | azcentral.com

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, and recent statistics about the state of our planet paint a bleak picture.

New research has concluded that humans are to blame for rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather, with a February study reaching the "gold standard" of statistical certainty by reporting there is a 99.9999% chance humans are the cause of global warming.

Other data shows that the last five years have been the warmest five years on Earth since record-keeping began in the late 1800s and that there has been a 46% increase in carbon dioxide levels since just before the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s.

There are still ways to help — and celebrate — the planet, though. Here are some ways to get involved in Phoenix on Earth Day:

1. NASA's #PictureEarth campaign

NASA is encouraging people to post a close-up photo of their favorite "natural features" on Earth (think Arizona sunsets and flowers blooming on cactuses) with the hashtag #PictureEarth.

The agency also asks people to include the location where the photo was taken in the text of their post. On Monday, NASA will share some of its best images of Earth from space to inspire social media users to contribute to the campaign.

The best images posted on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have a chance at being showcased in a future NASA video or image.

2. NASA Science Live Broadcast: Our Weird Planet

NASA Science Live will broadcast a 30-minute show starting at 12 p.m. Arizona time that will include a panel of experts discussing what makes Earth special. The agency describes Earth as "one of the most unique places in the solar system" in part because of its liquid water, protective atmosphere and active core.

Viewers also can ask questions during the program by using the hashtag #askNASA or by commenting on the livestreams on Ustream, Periscope, Facebook Live, YouTube, NASA Television and the NASA website. Go to nasa.gov/nasasciencelive to watch the broadcast.

3. Earth Day Phoenix 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Earth Day Phoenix, an event organized by Keep Phoenix Beautiful. The event is being held at Cesar Chavez Plaza (201 W. Washington St.) from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a tree-planting kick-off, exhibitions from local green businesses and organizations, an electric car show and Earth-friendly food trucks. 

4. Things to do on your own

Even if you can't make it to a local event or catch NASA's livestream, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day. Small changes in your daily routine, both on Earth Day and beyond, can have a big impact on the size of your footprint on the planet.

Carpooling and public transit, or forgoing vehicles altogether and walking or bicycling to your destination, can dramatically reduce the carbon dioxide you're releasing into the atmosphere. Investing in a reusable coffee cup can also help you do your part for the planet by reducing some of the 600 billion paper and plastic cups distributed globally each year, according to a Starbucks study.

If you have more time to invest, planting a garden will help eliminate carbon emissions created by moving produce from a farm to your plate — and it can help you save money.

Reach the reporter at bfrank@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @brieannafrank

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