Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22 in 1970 in the United States to raise awareness about environmental protection. Now, more than 193 countries participate in Earth Day each year. At the University of Rochester and surrounding community, there are many ways you can celebrate Earth Day and help raise awareness about environmental issues.
Join the Green Reps and Facilities Team Green in the Dash for Trash event! The Dash for Trash will be on Friday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All University students and employees are welcome to stop in at any time during the event, but please email the Green Reps to register in advance. Participants will check in at the Goergen Athletic Center to receive gloves and a compostable bag to collect trash and recyclables while walking, jogging, or running across campus. There will be a raffle and water bottles will be given away on a first come, first served basis. After dashing for trash, participants return to the Goergen Athletic Center to weigh and sort the materials collected. Participants are welcome to use the locker rooms and showers, however, please bring your own soap and towel. Help spread the word with our event flyer available here.
Old sneakers will also be collected for recycling at the Dash for Trash event. Through the Nike Reuse a Shoe program sneakers are ground up and given new life as athletic field surfaces, shoes, and clothing. See the flyer of this ongoing collection program here.
Another great event to attend to celebrate Earth Day is Grassroots’ EarthFest. Grassroots is the University of Rochester’s premier environmental action and awareness group which strives to create a more sustainable future and to raise awareness of our collective and individual responsibilities as stewards of the Earth and its natural environment. This year marks Grassroots’ 20th anniversary, and EarthFest is as set to be as exciting as ever. The EarthFest series of events runs from April 18-29 this year, with a great variety of events (listed below) ranging from awareness and community service to performance and arts and crafts. All events are free and open to all.
Tree Planting
Tuesday, 4/18 • 9am • Slater House (Phase)
Help to plant a tree on campus.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1385771884819423/
By-Catch Event
Tuesday, 4/18 • 3:30-5pm • Wilson Commons
Stop by and learn about Bycatch, the unintended capture of non-target species in fishing practices. You can explore this problem and the environmental impact by-catching has on our marine ecosystems, specifically endangered species, and beyond. Sponsored by SAVVY.
No-Mic Open Mic
Thursday, 4/20 • 8-9pm • Drama House
An open mic with an eco-friendly twist: no microphone! Welcoming music, poetry, drama, and more. Co-sponsored by the Music Interest Floor and Drama House.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/426643061016288/
Grassroots’ 20th Anniversary EarthFest
Saturday, 4/22 • 1-4pm • Hirst Lounge
At this carnival-style event, tie-dye a tee-shirt, meet the on-campus environmental groups, sign petitions, do a craft, and learn how you can make a difference on this campus! Co-sponsored by GreenSpace, Dining Team Green, Facilities Team Green, SAVVY, and others.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/145842179272910/
Earth Day Promotion at Starbucks
Saturday, 4/22 • all day • Starbucks
Purchase any handcrafted beverage and receive a free reusable cup! By using a reusable cup daily for a month, you help by avoiding using more than a pound of paper or 3-5 pounds of wood. Sponsored by Dining Services.
Community Service
Sunday, 4/23 • 1-3pm • Rapids Cemetery
Help to restore a historic cemetery in the 19th Ward. Work with the Rapids Cemetery Restoration Committee on weeding, planting flowers, and unearthing buried headstones. Simple tools, work gloves, and refreshments will be provided.
Bee Day
Wednesday, 4/26 • all day • Wilson Commons
Dining Team Green will be dedicating an entire day to spreading awareness of bee conservation on campus. Participate in interactive bee-related activities, such as arts and crafts!
There are also some great events happening in the Rochester community to raise awareness about environmental issues and to celebrate Earth Day.
Rochester Earth Day Parade
Saturday, 4/22 • 10am • Wadsworth Square
The parade will gather at 9:00 am at Wadsworth Square (at the end of Marshall Street, off of Monroe Avenue). Step off is at 10:00 am. Abundance Food Co-op will officially open the doors to their new location on South Avenue on Earth Day as well. The parade will celebrate not only the cooperative’s expansion but also the many nonprofits and businesses that help to make Rochester a more sustainable community. For more information, please click here.
ROCWorthy Earth Festival
Saturday, 4/22 • 11am-5pm • Abundance Food Co-op
The ROCWorthy Earth Fest has collaborated with Abundance and SunCommon NY to bring a variety of non-profits and local businesses together for demonstrations, conversations, tastings, learning, music and more! For more information, please click here.
People’s Climate March Solidarity March
Saturday, 4/29 • 11am-2pm • City of Rochester
Action Together will be partnering with the Rochester People’s Climate Movement as well as the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition for a solidarity March based in Rochester to partner with the People’s Climate Mobilization in Washington DC. This march will be family friendly march and rally to highlight the need for changes in our government to protect our world for future generations. Grassroots and other groups are gathering a group of students to attend a solidarity the march.
Photo source: pexels. com
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017