Organizations such as the SRU Office of Sustainability, University Program Board and other student clubs arranged programs during April 18 through the 25 to commemorate Earth Day.
One of the multiple events, “Carnival at the Quad” was held in the Smith Student Center due to weather complications. However, that did not stop students and organizations from appreciating this week of sustainability awareness. The Robert A. Macoskey Center, Research at SRU and student clubs sponsored Earth Day games and activities on Tuesday April 21 during common hour.
In celebration of Earth Day, the Robert A. Macoskey Center offered five various games that provided education towards sustainability. While learning facts, students could take a survey and earn prizes such as t-shirts, water bottles and more.
Senior psychology and recreational therapy major Samantha Zampetti expressed how she thought the games were enjoyable.
“I enjoyed the spin art along with all the trivia they had,” Zampetti said. “I also appreciated the organic coffee free samples they gave out.”
Senior exercise science major Amanda Feiser stated that there are small steps that people can make in order to ensure a cleaner environment. She suggested unplugging unused electronics, turning off the water while brushing teeth and walking or biking whenever possible.
Senior early childhood education and special education majors, Stephanae Schneider added in order to become a more earth-friendly nation, America must first start by doing the little things at home.
“Taking shorter showers, recycling and conserving as much energy as possible are all things that will improve the earth,” Schneider said. “These things may be small and simple, but if enough people contribute it can make a great impact on the environment.”
Fran Biers, 57, has worked with Slippery Rock University for 33 years. He runs the Macoskey Center and the McKeever Center (which is a Residential Environmental Education Center in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania).
When Biers was asked what’s the next concrete step that mainstream America must take in order to become a more earth-friendly nation, his response was clear and concise.
“Hands down, the most important thing that we need to do is individually and collectively consume less energy,” Biers said. “That is in terms of fossil fuels, whether that is in coal, natural gas or fuel oil. Also in terms of our lifestyles, we need to consume fewer materials on the planet.”
He emphasized that society must be more contentious in terms of day-to-day life actions and consider the ramifications that are connected to our actions.
Jackie Bursic, sophomore social work major, emphasized that she wants to get involved because she wants her children and grandchildren to have the same access to the environmental resources that she did.
Schneider agreed that it’s important to preserve the Earth and everything inhabiting it.
“If everyone keeps polluting and overusing Earth’s natural resources, one day those resources will run out,” Schneider said. “One day this Earth will not be the beautiful home we know it to be. I want many generations to come to be able to live and flourish on the wonderful planet that we have now.”
In order to motivate people to participate in, Biers emphasized students to get more reconnected to the natural world.
“I think that is a really big issue,” Biers said. “When you’re removed from nature, you do not think about it. If you spend time in natural places away from malls and cities and you can connect with sunlight and streams. It is the natural world that connects our lives.”
