(CU Independent graphic/Adam Milner)
CU is celebrating Earth Day this year by engaging students in green activities and promoting environmental awareness.
“Save My Oceans 2010” is a national campaign that, according to their website, aims at educating students on the fragile environment that exists in the oceans. The campaign set up a stand outside of the UMC.
Oriel Zelcer, a project manager for Save My Oceans, handed out free reusable water bottles and bags for students who signed a pledge. The pledge is an agreement to make a concentrated effort to choose reusable water bottles and bags, eat non-endangered seafood or reduce one’s carbon footprint.
“The big reason we’re here is that we want to get people to stop using plastic,” Zelcer said.
Zelcer said only 10 percent of materials in recycling bins actually get recycled. The reason for this is because there aren’t enough recycling plants to manage the materials. So right now the best solution is to minimize the use of plastic bags and bottles.
He said Save My Oceans is touring colleges across the country. Zelcer said students have the power to affect change for this generation by influencing others to be more environmentally conscious, and suggested students tell their families and friends about the movement.
“It’s important for this generation to be proactive,” Zelcer said.
Hilary Bak, a 19-year-old sophomore business major, said she is unsure of what she is going to do for Earth Day this year.
“Last year I planted a tree,” Bak said. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do this year, though.”
The Environmental Center is holding Earth Fest which will feature a farmer’s market, a collaborative art project involving recycled materials and a Fashion Swap, according to their website.
The farmer’s market will offer summer internships and volunteer opportunities, according to the website.
Davina Miller, a 19-year-old freshman open-option major, said she is going to recycle on Earth Day.
“I’m going to get on top of my recycling on Earth Day and recycle all of my pizza boxes,” Miller said.
Students can look forward to “bring your own picnic” in Norlin Quad on Earth Day. Students are encouraged to bring locally grown and organic food, according to the Earth Day website.
Earth Fest will be running from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday on Norlin Quad. For the opportunity to sign the Save My Oceans pledge visit the website.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jennifer De Falco at Jennifer.defalco@colorado.edu.
