If botanical gardens and hikes aren't your ideal way to spend Earth Day, here are a few ways to celebrate the holiday in metro Phoenix this weekend.
Buffalo Exchange $1 Earth Day Sale
Buffalo Exchange store locations around the Valley
First things first: You're going to need some new-to-you recycled garb for any Earth Day celebrations. On Saturday, April 21, Buffalo Exchange stores will run their annual $1 Earth Day Sale in partnership with the 5Gyres Organization. 5Gyres fights against plastic pollution, so be sure to bring a reusable shopping bag to enjoy the selected $1 items.
The sale is cash-only and items will likely move quickly. Proceeds will be donated to 5Gyres and the sale runs at two stores: 3450 North Seventh Street, and 227 West University Drive in Tempe.
Ninth Annual Earth Day Phoenix
Steele Indian School Park
Once you have your recycled clothing, it's time to get schooled on sustainability topics at Steele Indian School Park, 300 East Indian School Road. This event will feature eco-classes, exhibitors, and activities for kids with an interest in the environment. Class topics include recycling, compositing, rainwater conversion, and more.
The event is on Saturday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's a free, kid-friendly event and there's even a session with a Spanish-language focus. For more information, visit Keep Phoenix Beautiful's official Facebook event page.
Earth and Arbor Day Celebrations
If you're interested in getting a really early start to Earth Day festivities, Gilbert Parks & Recreation is hosting their Earth and Arbor Day event on Thursday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event, which is located at the McQueen Park, 510 North Horne Street, Gilbert, will feature recycling-inspired games and activities aimed at children.
On Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, City of Chandler Environmental Education Center will host their festivities at the City of Chandler Recreation Center. There will be live animal presentations and craft activities the promote green living.
Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story
FilmBar Phoenix
FilmBar is hosting a special in congruence with Earth Day. Love & Bananas tells the story of a team of elephant rescuers who embark on a journey in Thailand to save a captured, blind elephant and bring her to freedom. Leading the team of rescuers is conservationist Sangdeaun Lek Chailert, who was awarded Time magazine's Hero of Asia award.
The documentary screens at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, at FilmBar Phoenix, 815 North Second Street. Tickets cost $9 and are available through the FilmBar website.
Kill Bill Double Feature
Alamo Drafthouse Chandler
Violence is part of Earth Day's history. Ira Einhorn was the M.C. of the very first Earth Day celebration in Philadelphia, and he was convicted of the 1977 murder of his girlfriend, Holly Maddux. That likely wasn't what the programmers at Alamo Drafthouse had in mind when they scheduled a double feature of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films, but the opportunity to see these films played together in a theater is rare.
The gory engagement runs about 4 hours and 15 minutes long, so screenings start in the early evening at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, at 4955 South Arizona Avenue. Tickets are $16.17 and available through the Alamo Drafthouse website.