Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015
The Office of Sustainability offers its students a day of fun activities to discover what they can do to protect the Earth
by Sarah Brown '15
On Wednesday, April 22, Rider University’s Office of Sustainability invites students to take part in several programs to both celebrate the Earth Day and learn how to better protect the world we live in. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., tables will be set up on campus mall featuring Rider’s on-campus initiatives, group activities, games and giveaways.
The event is hosted by both on and off-campus organizations, including Dr. Michael Brogan's social policy class, who will be onsite to discuss their work regarding the Penn East pipeline. "What I find most rewarding about having students do applied research and community outreach is their ability to see firsthand the complexity and context of environmental problems," Dr. Brogan says about the class. "Our focus this semester on the PennEast pipeline has not only given students an ability to connect with citizen groups and professional activists, but also provided them with an invaluable experience as to the interconnections between where we get our energy and how it impacts us directly."
In addition, Omicron Delta Kappa will host a sustainable game, 107.7 The Bronc broad live and the University eco reps will host a table to teach students about many on-campus initiatives and upcoming events. There will also be several outside organizations joining the event including the the Sierra Club, Community Recycling, NJ Watershed, Pepsi Dream Machine, Food & Water Watch, and Lawrence Nature Center.
"No matter where we come from, what we look like, what hobbies we have or what courses we take, we all have one thing in common: Earth is our home. The fact that this beautiful planet supports our lives and everything that means to us, should be celebrated," says Melissa Greenberg, the event's coordinator. "My hope is that everyone takes some time on Earth Day to appreciate the riches of this planet that sustains our lives as we know them. Coming to the Earth Day event at Rider is only one way to do this. Being outside, visiting parks and other natural areas is something we should all make a common practice in our lives. In fact, it should be part of a routine making Earth Day, every day."
In addition, students will be able to create origami newspaper planters and take photos in a Bill Nye "the science guy" photo booth. Giveaways include organic tote bags made of bamboo and reusable water bottles.
The rest of the month's events are listed below.
Bill Nye appearance and book signing
Thursday, April 23, beginning at 7 p.m.
BLC Cavalla Room/Faculty Dining Room on the Lawrenceville campus
Bill Nye "The Science Guy" is this year’s Earth Day keynote speaker. Ticket holders are welcome to this highly anticipated event taking place at 7 p.m. in the BLC Cavalla Room. Later that evening, Nye will sign copies of his latest book, Undeniable, from 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. in the BLC Faculty Dining Room. Books are on sale now at the Rider Bookstore on the Lawrenceville campus and will also be on sale at the book signing. (Please note that only cash payments will be accepted at the book signing event.)
Although only those with a ticket can attend Nye’s lecture, anyone with a copy of his book will be allowed into the Faculty Dining Room to have it signed.
Arbor Day Observance
Friday, April 24, 2:30 p.m.
Building #39 (adjacent to the General Services Building on the Lawrenceville campus)
All are welcome to join in planting new trees on the Lawrenceville campus. Six seedlings will be planted as an educational display. Two will be native American chestnuts that are susceptible to the blight, two will be native Chinese chestnuts, which are blight resistant, and two will be the Restoration 1.0 American chestnuts that are a hybrid and hopefully blight resistant.
The planting site will be adjacent to the General Services Building on the Lawrenceville campus. It is building #39 on the left hand (south) side of campus.
Please contact Sustainability Manager Melissa Greenberg at ext. 7550 or [email protected] with questions.