On Thursday, April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day 2021! Many thanks to the Gustavus Environmental Action Coalition for organizing a variety of activities this week in celebration of Earth Day. Stop by their table outside the front of the Campus Center on Eckman Mall from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. from Tuesday (4/20) until Friday (4/23). Each day there will be an opportunity to engage with environmental action and help push for a better, more environmentally just world. Learn about Line 3, water protection, zero waste and composting, and offer feedback to the members of the Linnaeus Deliberation Circle.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth,” and is focused on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. On Thursday, starting at 11 a.m. CDT, EARTHDAY.ORG is producing a multi-hour, live digital event. The show will feature workshops, panel discussions, roundtables, films, and special performances focused on climate and environmental literacy, reforestation efforts, regenerative agriculture, equity and environmental justice, citizen science, cleanups, and more. You can tune in to Thursday’s live event at https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/.
There are so many ways to support Earth Day and environmental sustainability. You might consider starting a new, environmentally friendly habit this week. Here are a few great ideas to get you started:
- Support the Gustavus zero-waste goal by responsibly using the recycling and compost bins around campus.
- Give up the use of single-use plastics. Two of the most common single-use plastics are plastic drinking bottles and plastic bags. Could you eliminate both of these from your life for a week (or forever)?
- Pay attention to your use of energy. Turn off unnecessary lights, unplug electronics when not in use (e.g., chargers or fully charged laptops), and take shorter showers to save hot water.
- Gustavus students: Make plans to attend Discover the Outdoors on Sunday, April 25 from 1-4 p.m. in the Arboretum. This year, groups including Fly Fishing Club, Students for Reproductive Freedom, Society of Physics Students, and more will be offering events and activities for students to participate in. Don’t forget to wear your mask and pay attention to social distancing. Due to COVID-19 protocols, this event is only open to Gustavus students.
For me, this challenging year has been much more manageable because I’ve been able to get outside, reconnect with nature, and recharge by spending time in the natural world. Whether it’s taking a walk in the Arboretum or spending time with my family at safe, outdoors gatherings, I know that my mental and physical wellbeing have benefited from the opportunity to soak in all the goodness our Earth provides. This week, I ask that you be intentional about going outside, taking a moment to reflect, and planning for how you can make sustainable decisions a regular part of your life moving forward.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
Yours in community,
President Bergman