One of the most critical issues of our time will be highlighted from Monday-Saturday, April 16-21, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology. SIUE will join the worldwide observance of Earth Week with informational, enlightening and fun activities leading up to Earth Day on Sunday, April 22.
“We’ve worked intentionally to make sure we have a range of events that appeal to both the campus and the local community,’ said Frey Spurlock, SAG steering committee chair. “Earth Week’s events offer fun and engaging ways to learn about some of the environmental challenges we face as well as what we can do to address those challenges.”
- Monday, April 16 – The Wheel of Green Living Choices from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. outside of the Morris University Center. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the environmental problems posed by single use plastics, such as straws and disposable beverage bottles. Student Government and SOS will give away reusable straws and bottles to facilitate behavior changes.
- Tuesday, April 17 – Edwardsville’s Land of Goshen Community Market is collaborating with SIUE to bring local produce to campus from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Quad.
- Wednesday, April 18 – BYO Glen Ed and SOS are hosting a screening of “Bag It: Is Your Life Too Plastic?” Attendees will have an opportunity to donate and upcycle T-shirts into reusable shopping bags, from 5-8 p.m. in Fixins’ University Restaurant.
- Thursday, April 19 – A day in The Gardens at SIUE will allow participants to plant native prairie grass seeds and Bur Oak tree seedlings from 10-11:30 a.m., and 12:30-2 p.m.
- Friday, April 20 – Eleanor Schumacher, a resource conservationist with the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, will lead a program at The Gardens from 12-5 p.m. She will lead a series of discussions and activity on spring flower identification, hold a seed collection competition, discuss pesticide training and certification process, among other things. The fee is $5.
- Saturday, April 21 – E-Waste Collection Drive from 9 a.m.-noon in the visitor’s lot near the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability.
Monday and Wednesday’s events are in keeping with this year’s Earth Day theme of plastic pollution.
“We’re excited about this year’s celebration, because in keeping with sustainability principles, it is the result of a number of collaborative efforts,” said Frey Spurlock. “We’re especially excited to have the Goshen Farmer’s Market and student government as two new co-sponsors for Earth Week.”
Sponsoring Earth Week events are SIUE’s Sustainability Action Group (SAG), Student Organization for Sustainability (SOS), the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, SIUE Student Government, The Gardens at SIUE, The Goshen Farmer’s Market and BYO Glen Ed.