Earth Daze

As citizens of the Earth, we have an obligation to treat our planet with kindness. That doesn’t mean that you have to give up using any sort of nonrenewable energy—but if you make even the smallest contribution, you’ll be part of a larger contribution from people like you.

With Earth Day coming up on April 22, take the opportunity to examine your carbon bubble. You may not make immediate changes to your lifestyle, but small steps will take us all a long way. Maybe you can switch out your gas-guzzling SUV for a more sustainable option. How about being more conscious about the trash you throw out both at home and at work? You’ll be surprised at how one change will inspire you to seek out new ways to live a more environmentally conscious life.

Earth Day is a chance to reflect on how you can be friendlier to the planet, but it’s also a day to celebrate her beauty. Do so with a trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens! The Gardens staff has been committed to the conservation of desert plants for over 70 years and is constantly researching the preservation of the natural beauty of the Valley. The staff is welcoming some of North America’s most beautiful butterflies back to the Valley with the 10th Annual Spring Butterfly Exhibit, one of the Garden’s many events, and it’s open for you to enjoy until May 13. Sue Lanker, the exhibit’s manager, says that visiting the butterflies is a great family- and kid-friendly activity.

The butterflies arrive in Phoenix from two butterfly farms in Florida. The creatures typically have a life span of two to three weeks, so they’ll be spending their lifetime safe from predators, with endless nectar in the large pavilion built to re-create their most comfortable habitat. The spring climate in the Valley is just right for the butterflies to fly around at their ease. Lanker says that wearing pastel colors and straw hats seems to attract the butterflies, which have a habit of landing on the guests. One of the favorites is the malachite, a green-and-black insect named after the beautiful mineral. Also, look out for the luna moths. They’re nocturnal, but the Garden’s staff helps visitors find their daytime hiding spots. The butterflies are sure to spark the curiosity of children of all ages.

If you’d like to support the efforts of the Desert Botanical Garden and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time, you’re in luck! From April 16–20, the week before Earth Day, Sprinkles Cupcakes is teaming up with the Garden and will be making special vanilla cupcakes adorned with little trees for the occasion. All proceeds from the sale of the cupcakes will go to the Garden. Sprinkles in Los Angeles was the first ever cupcake bakery and is responsible for starting the national cupcake craze. They’ve since expanded across the country, with a store in Scottsdale. Who knew helping the environment could be so easy—and delicious?

The Desert Botanical Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is located at 1201
N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. Find out more at dbg.org. Sprinkles is located near Fashion Square at 4501 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Order online at sprinkles.com.