Locals learn to live sustainably at Rancho Mirage Earth Day celebration

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) - The City of Rancho Mirage is hosting its second annual Earth Day celebration at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory. The event is open with the public, and kicked off with a tree planting ceremony. Attendees can engage in all sorts of activities, from planting their own microgreens to creating their own eco-friendly laundry detergent.

Locals like Marisol Reyes say they want to leave the planet better for the next generation.

"We're so caught up with what's happening with AI and social media. But we don't really think of the planet that we live in. We should be more conscientious about it," Reyes says.

The City of Rancho Mirage has partnered with the Living Desert Zoo to launch their nature to nourishment program, where all eligible tree trimmings from the city will go towards feeding rhinos and giraffees at the zoo.

"Trees are a great way to not only provide shade, to reduce heat, but they can also provide nourishment to animals," says Jessica Pulliam with the city's sustainability department.

Attendees also got to plant their own microgreens. "Microgreens are an excellent way to add nutrition and flavor to the food you already eat. They're nutritionally dense and super easy to grow," says Miriam Wiegel with Copper Dog Farms.

When it comes to reducing food waste, FIND regional food bank has a few suggestions:

1. The Ugly Fruit Trick - if an apple or banana has brown spots, turn it into a smoothie instead of throwing it away.
2. Freeze the Flavor - if fruit is too soft too eat, freeze them, and they can become a treat that taste like a frozen sorbet.
3. Shop your own kitchen - finish the snacks you've already opened before opening a new one.