While we should be celebrating the Earth throughout the entire year, the week of April 21st through April 27th is a designated calendar week to celebrate the planet. Here at Misericordia University, the campus promotes and supports students to enjoy the outside and participate in earth friendly activities during Earth Week.
On Monday, an Earth Day Giveaway was held in Banks for students to win some free swag. On Tuesday, Blue Chip Farm sat in Banks lobby to inform students about adoptable animals. The table featured a grey fluffy bunny named Snowball that was unfortunately not up for adoption but gave students the chance to pet and say hello.
On Wednesday, the campus surprised students by bringing in a beekeeper expert, allowing students to witness an active beehive while learning about pollination just in time for spring. Students could also sample honey from an actual beehive. Later that day, they recommended students to get outside and walk around campus by hosting a walk that started outside of Anderson. While students did not have to be a part of the walk to enjoy the outdoors, campus was lively on Wednesday with many students doing work outside or sitting and hanging out with friends.
On Friday, the Metz food company at the school sponsored a Grain Game and sample Acai Bowls for students to try. Another fun activity on Friday was the Consignment shop, where students could pay just two dollars to fill an entire brown paper bag with thrifted clothes. The styles ranged from athletic, to lounge, to even business casual with brands like Carrie Underwood and even Express jeans. This event was hosted by the Mission, Ministry and Service department on campus.
Restaurants on campus, such as Chick-Fil-A, also supported earth week by giving out paper straws with their drinks to be healthier for the environment. By using paper straws, students can be more eco-friendly with biodegradable material instead of harmful microplastics that do not decompose as well into the environment.
In the Henry Science center, stickers and pins were placed on the tables for students to take, promoting messages of recycling and caring for the planet. If lucky enough, students could have grabbed a Spout pencil while supplies lasted. Sprout pencils are pencils that you can plant, as they contain different types of seeds in them that are good for the environment. The seeds sit where the eraser would be, and a biodegradable capsule contains them until planted, and the seeds grow out.
With the weather warming up, take a moment to step outside and get some sun, enjoy the breeze, and remember that the planet can be celebrated every day; we just have to make better and safer choices to protect the planet.