As the annual Earth Day celebration approaches, residents of Mesa, Arizona, have more options than ever to go green and make environmentally-friendly choices. April 22 has become not just a day, but a compelling force for public awareness about the preservation and improvement of the earth’s natural environment since its inception in 1970. This year, Mesa Public Library is offering resources and workshops to help locals reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably.
The library is touting the appeal of the tried-and-true "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra, emphasizing their role as the ultimate "reuser." Citizens can now take advantage of the library’s Stuffbrary, which includes a gadget that sounds like something out of a science fiction novel— but it's as real as it gets: the TrickleStar energy monitor. This device helps users analyze their household appliance and electronic use, as per the announcement made by the city.
In a move to slash their grocery shopping's carbon footprint, Mesa residents are encouraged to cultivate their own backyard gardens, using seeds from the library’s Seed Library. Furthering the mission of sustainable living, the City’s Environmental Management & Sustainability department will be holding a Living Green workshop and organizing city-wide Earth Day events.
In addition to these hands-on activities, the library is also a treasure trove of information for those looking to educate themselves on environmental issues. Patrons can dive into a wealth of knowledge, engaging with a variety of green-themed magazines on Overdrive or watching documentaries on Kanopy that showcase sustainable practices and solutions to environmental challenges. The Great Courses also offers in-depth explorations into topics like sustainable living and ocean life, as highlighted by the city's recent publication.
The Mesa Public Library's commitment to sustainability goes beyond just providing resources; they are earnestly working towards transforming the organization into a model for sustainable practices. As Earth Day approaches, they invite the community to join in not just in celebration, but in making every day a day for environmental stewardship.
