The City of Mesa has awarded $84,494 to community groups through the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF), a program supported by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The fund empowers young people to create and lead hands-on climate solutions that make a real impact in their community.
"Our young people are the future of our community, and it's exciting to see so many take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to put their ideas into action," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "I'm inspired by the creativity of the projects, and ultimately the positive impact they will have in our community."
Eighteen projects were selected this year, showcasing the passion and innovation of Mesa's youth. The initiatives focus on a range of climate priorities, including water stewardship, heat mitigation, sustainable food systems, air quality, energy and materials management. All projects will be completed by Oct. 31. This year's projects are:
- Brewing a Sustainable Future at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery (GreenLight Solutions) reduce the environmental footprint at a local coffee shop through energy efficiency, waste-diversion and water stewardship initiatives.
-Buddy Benches (Mountain View High School) create cooler and more inclusive spaces on campus by installing benches and planting trees and shrubbery to shade the areas.
- Dirt to Dinner (Por La Tierra - Por La Cultura) educate Mesa youth on sustainability practices, terminology and food systems with Dirt to Dinner, an educational cookbook.
-Garden Expansion (Heartwood Montessori) expand the school and community garden by providing materials to support the student-led composting system, increase garden productivity and enable students to launch their own farm stand.
-Hydrate & Conserve (Benedictine University) reduce water consumption and plastic bottle use within the university community
-Monarch Waystation (Scouts BSA Troop 3030) support monarch butterflies and engage the community in environmental stewardship by creating a habitat with native milkweed and nectar-rich plants.
-Planting Trees in East Mesa (Red Mountain High School) plant at least 20 trees in local neighborhoods and schools in East Mesa to improve air quality and mitigate heat with added shade.
-Plants, Panels & People: Growing Mesas Climate Action Capacity through Agrivoltaics (Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation) explore the symbiosis between plants and solar panels by building, planting and monitoring twin garden beds.
-Ready, Set, Grow (Benedictine University) integrate a community composting program with an indoor hydroponic garden to create a circular system that diverts food waste from landfills.
-Red Dirt Girls (ASU Polytechnic Campus) analyze the difference in CO production by soils collected from grassy lawns and dryland landscapes.
-Rewear Revolution (Red Mountain High School) inspire a high school and local community to choose second-hand clothing over purchasing new.
-Root and Bloom Butterfly Garden (Child Crisis Arizona) build a butterfly garden to support pollinator populations, enhance heat mitigation and promote water stewardship.
-Self-Growth Through At-Home Gardening (Por La Tierra - Por La Cultura) distribute at-home gardening kits, enabling families to grow produce together while learning about and contributing to a sustainable food system.
-Sonoran Olla Oasis (Mountain View High School) improve the functionality of the watering system at the school garden so it is more sustainable during the summer months.
-The Southwest Waystation Network's Sittable Cities Initiative (Arizona Sustainability Alliance) implement a unique design of a bench that acts as a water trough for micro-ecosystems.
-Water Recycling and Materials Management for Mesa Dining Room and Community Garden (GreenLight Solutions) improve water efficiency and waste diversion for a Mesa-based non-profit/charity dining room and urban garden.
-Wildlife Sanctuaries in Urban Areas (Red Mountain High School) plant native plants in areas that are struggling with reduced biodiversity to create a healthier environment for local wildlife.
-Zero-Waste Workshop for Mesa Businesses (GreenLight Solutions) educate business and community leaders on the principles of a circular economy, while equipping attendees with practical strategies to reduce landfill waste.
The MYCAF initiative supports theCity of Mesas Climate Action Plan(MCAP), a Mayor and Council priority initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, build resilience in our community, and address the negative outcomes of a changing climate.
MYCAF is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which works to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people by focusing on five key areas: the arts, education, the environment, government innovation, and public health.