by LaDaisha Greenfield
Contributor
Earth Day is coming up, Sunday, April 22, giving every human being inhabiting this planet a reminder to be aware of its attributes and challenges.
WCC observes Earth Day with a celebration Thursday, April 12. Organizers plan a special event to discuss current issues affecting the environment. There will also be information about the recycling program on campus and information on how to live a healthier lifestyle through “clean” eating and physical activity. In addition, there will be a live raptor presentation by the Leslie Science and Nature Center. The celebration takes place on the first floor of the Student Center and the north plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There are plenty of other opportunities to get you into the Earth Day spirit, on campus and off:
Leslie Science and Nature Center’s annual Earth Day festival
Every year, the Leslie Science and Nature Center hosts a free festival that celebrates planet Earth. Local businesses and environmental groups are involved. There are food vendors and live entertainment. The event takes place on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 12-4 p.m., at the science center on 1831 Traver Road, in Ann Arbor.
WCC’s seed library
The college library allows students to “check out” seeds for growing a plethora of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers free of charge. There are no due dates to return seeds, students are welcome to take as many as desired. Seeds are categorized by growing level: easy, intermediate, and advanced.
Students for sustainability club
At WCC, this club gets together to spread the word around Washtenaw County on how to reach “sustainability,” or using the Earth’s resources in a reasonable way to keep the environment balanced. Students organize fundraisers and participate in volunteer work to encourage others to go green. This semester, the club meets on Wednesdays in LA 161, 3:30-5 p.m. WCC also has a web page dedicated to environmental news, local events and courses available on campus at: sites.wccnet.edu/sustainable.
Recycle outside the box
Of course, there are recycling bins (especially all around campus) for plastic, paper, bottles and other containers. But recycling isn’t limited to bins. The definition of the word recycle is “to convert into useful material.”
Everyone can easily do this without depending on recycling centers to do it for us. Materials that we have lying around can be transformed into a brand new item. A take-out coffee cup is the perfect container to hold pens and pencils. That scrap piece of cardboard makes a beautiful canvas for your next art project. Even all of those notes that we have to throw away at the end of the semester possess a lot of potential reusing. Eco-friendly portable chargers can be used to charge devices, especially ones made with solar panels. Consider the different methods of recycling—the possibilities are endless. Not only does it save the planet, but it also can save you a dollar.
