Earth Day, annually held on April 22, is a day not only dedicated to planet Earth, but also a day of spreading environmental awareness to all.
According to Earth Day Network, a non-profit organization that promotes information and connects activists, the holiday officially began in 1970 when 20 million American activists launched an environmental movement. With the passing of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, Earth Day was formed and hasn’t stopped yet.
There are several easy ways to join the movement of “going green” for both Earth Day and everyday. Some of these things include: recycling, reusing products, saving energy, using public transportation and getting involved.
Earth Day is being celebrated on local campuses in order to spread awareness.
Moorpark’s Rethinking Ideas Socially Expected (R.I.S.E.) Club helped California State University, Channel Islands, host an Earth Day celebration in the Channel Islands Central Mall.
Visitors participated in activities and learned eco-friendly practices from students and professors during the event, which took place on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the university website.
“It’s a fun concept, learning about sustainable tendencies,” said Clarise Compton, president of the R.I.S.E. Club. “It is fun and social and about getting the community together.”
The students of the university’s Experience Program created the celebration under the guidance of Jessica Hasson, a lecturer at the University.
Visitors were able to watch acrobats, play human bowling, run a obstacle course, play laser tag and enjoy a DJ during the celebration, according to the official Facebook page. Additional activities included yoga, henna tattoos, tie-dye stations and a trading post.
However, the ultimate goal of the event was to learn about ways to live with the earth and not against it through hands-on experience, according to the university website.
“It was fun to give stuff up, things I didn’t wear anymore,” Compton said. “Repurposing and giving it a second life.”
Compton said she received positive feedback and is motivated to bring the event to Moorpark in the near future.
