Photo by jwestphotography.com

1. Earth Science
Celebrate Earth Day at the Arizona Science Center, where you can make recycled paper and design your own shopping bag. While you’re there, don’t miss the exhibits on the fourth floor dedicated to living with the sun and alternative fuels. The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 22 and is free with general museum admission. For Earth awareness all month long, listen to a presentation about policy responses to global climate change from Paul Portney, dean of the College of Management and a professor of economics at the University of Arizona. It’s the last in a series of lectures at the museum to encourage awareness of climate change and will be held April 9 at 7 p.m.  For more information about either event, visit azscience.org.

2. Coffee and Poetry
If you love your Mother Earth, pen a poem for the Earth Day-themed reading at Copper Star Coffee on April 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Or just sip a cup of locally roasted coffee and listen as readers present stanzas on the enjoyment and protection of the natural world. Contact David Chorlton at 602-253-5055 for more information.

3. Earth Day 5K
Feel the earth move under your feet at Tempe’s Earth Day 5K race. The race starts at 6:30 p.m. on April 22 at the Tempe Center for the Arts and traces Tempe Town Lake for 3.1 miles. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, or outlandish, participate in the pre-race costume contest for the running gear that best promotes eco-friendly practices. Jogging solar panel, anyone? The first 300 registrants will receive a canvas shopping bag, and those who finish the race will earn a flower from KaBloom florists. Get information and register at tempe.gov.

4. Party for the Planet!
For an activity for kids, or just kids at heart, head to Party for the Planet! at the Phoenix Zoo. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20, you can build piñatas for animals out of recycled materials, plant seeds, learn about eco-friendly alternatives to commonly used products and pledge to live greener throughout the year. The zoo will also unveil its newly decorated recycling barrels, which community groups have painted with eco-conscious murals as part of the second-annual barrel project. The event is free with general zoo admission, but bring an old cell phone to recycle and you’ll get $2 off. Visit phoenixzoo.org for more information.

5. Family Bike Ride
Take a spin at going green at the Glendale Family Bike Ride. Although it’s not an official Earth Day event, what could be more eco-friendly than two-wheeling around the neighborhood? Meet at Sahauro Ranch Park April 13 for the 8 a.m. ride and choose between 12-mile and 6-mile routes. Exchange your used plastic grocery bags for an official event T-shirt. Information: glendaleaz.com/transportation.