Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Earth Day Virtually All Week
Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, when millions of Americans took to the streets to protest environmental inaction and demand a new way forward for our planet.
In-person celebrations of that milestone can’t happen this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. But virtual events are happening all over the globe, including at Cal State San Marcos.
Join Associated Students, Inc., as it marks the occasion with a whole week of virtual activities.
Energy-saving Tuesday
Unplug your phone and laptop chargers when they’re not in use. Unplug lamps, irons and kitchen appliances. Turn off the lights, and open the drapes.
Also, students can participate and win sustainable prizes in an Earth Week story template contest. Just follow @asi.csusm on Instagram, take a screenshot of the “Earth Week Favorites” template, fill out the template using GIFs, and tag @asi.csusm and share your story.
If your profile is private, send a direct message to ASI on Instagram so your name can be added to the drawing. Prizes will be shipped directly to winners’ homes.
Water Wednesday
Put a bucket in your shower to reuse the water for your plants and dishes, shorten your shower time, and reduce toilet bowl flushes.
From 3-5 p.m., you’re invited to attend a Zoom webinar titled “50 Years of Earth Day: Looking at Now and Beyond.” The event focuses on local environmental and economic issues, and will also address COVID-19 and student self-care. Faculty will have a chance to explain their area of expertise relative to the webinar’s focus and, where appropriate, discuss any future-oriented approaches to problem-solving. Next, students can question panelists, comment, and propose their own ideas for problem-solving in a back-and-forth dialogue. Register for the webinar here.
DIY Thursday
Make your own mask, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies. Find how-to videos online.
Take this day to educate yourself about sustainability efforts happening across the California State University system. Find a virtual event and explore the ways that other CSU campuses are honoring the Earth and its special day. Learn to make a beeswax wrap with the Cal State Northridge sustainability program at noon or watch the film “Dark Waters” with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at 7 p.m.
Zero-waste Friday
Save your snack bags and reuse your jars. Buy and sell clothes online using thrifting apps. Freeze overripe fruits and vegetables instead of throwing them away.
Also, join Lindsey Cain, the recipient of ASI sustainable project funding, as she continues her cooking series “Vegan Made Easy” on a virtual platform. Follow along with the video and make a delicious vegan meal at home. The list of ingredients you’ll need to make vegan mac and cheese and vegan oatmeal cookies is available on the Earth Week website.
Students looking for more ways to celebrate Earth Day can check out the Instagram page of the CSUSM Environmental Stewards Association, which will feature daily posts with engaging activities and ways to get involved.
Students also can take part in the official 50th anniversary celebration Wednesday by visiting the Earth Day 2020 website.
Media Contact
Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306