Earth Day is being celebrated nationwide and around the globe today to focus attention on issues that may get muddled in campaigns and politics.
Evidence that the planet is warming has placed new emphasis on reducing each individual’s carbon footprint through such measures as trading in a gas guzzler for a hybrid, exchanging standard incandescent lights for energy efficient ones and replacing plastic bags with reusable canvas totes or biodegradable bags.
Just the same, the DU community is participating in Earth-related events to raise awareness of and opportunities for greener lifestyles.
On Earth Day, the campus Chaplain, Rev. Gary Brower, is hosting a tree planting between the HRTM and Evans Chapel. Outdoor study areas are being set up as well as yoga and meditation events in n the Humanities Garden.
The DU Environmental Team will be hosting an all-day information table outside of Sturm Hall with giveaways and Go Green pledges, while the DU Sustainability Council will be on the Driscoll Bridge to let people know what the university is doing to help the environment.
Liz Pattison, a junior, is planning on tabling for the council and participating in other Earth Day events this week. While it is only one day a year, Pattison said this “small gesture…is important for its ability to draw people’s attention to the health of our Earth, which in turn, determines the health of everything dependent on the health of our Earth.” This includes, said Pattison, “ourselves, our economy, and our future.”
Sophomores Troy Magney, Jenny Nelson and Darcy Struckhof are taking initiative in educating younger students about the environment as part of an internship they have with the City of Englewood. They, along with a group of DU volunteers, taught Earth classes at Bishop Elementary on Monday. Classes included topics on conservation and recycling, and engaging activities involved a water recycling relay race and predator-prey game of tag.
Magney said the team also wanted to leave the students with a reminder to keep up environmental stewardship by having them make “RRR” hemp bracelets. Although the program is only its trial year, Magney said “the idea is to instill awareness in the youth that will eventually percolate into their families, and eventually reach the surrounding community.”
DU junior Evan Corzine is looking forward to numerous green-themed events. “More power to Denver,” he said of the city’s participation in the eight-city Green Apple Festival over the weekend, which included live music and opportunities to get involved in environment action groups.
Junior Shannon Stone said that Earth Day “brings light to environmental issues,” but isn’t certain where she fits in.
Similarly, sophomore Kevin Poyner also has no specific plans. He said he’s interested in the issues and is willing to learn more, but doesn’t want to be “lectured why we should recycle.”
Instead, he’d rather see Earth Day events that make recycling more accessible and convenient. “When I’m rushing to class, the last thing on my mind is where to throw my coffee cup away,” he said, adding, “I would like to see Earth Day help us become more responsible, more resourceful and more efficient with our resources.”
