Despite the weather, VCU celebrated Earth Day indoors.
“Earth Day is a great opportunity to take a step back and say thank you,” said Steve Heinitz, VCU recycling coordinator. “It’s a day to educate the faculty, staff and especially students about recycling and other related topics.”
The event was scheduled for Earth Day on April 22 but was postponed until last Friday because of inclement weather conditions.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ukrops, The Vegetarian Society of Richmond and the American Chemical Society represented three of about 10 exhibitors that gathered in the University Students Commons to promote environmental awareness among the VCU community.
Students stopped by to receive information and ask questions about ways to protect the environment. They received free drinks, prizes and organic foods in support of improving the earth.
There was something for everybody.
For the athletes, it became a basketball court made from recycled goods with empty soda cans serving as the throwing devices. Students stood in line waiting for a chance to make a hoop and receive a prize.
For the scientists, the American Chemical Society welcomed students to test the hardness of water. Using what looked like a fish tank filled with water, students, guided by the owner’s direction, tested the water for its hardness.
For the fashion-lovers, a female employee of the Virginia Recycling Association showcased “Recycled Couture,” VCU’s fashion merchandising students’ fashion show set for October 2004. At the exhibit, she featured the student-made clothing and accessories using recycled such materials as straws, paper and plastic bags, keychains and soda wrappers.
Other exhibits featured vegetarianism, hiking, recycling and energy conservation, which promoted people making small changes in their lifestyles that can make a difference in the environment.
Pauola Sehannie, a representative from the VCU’s University Student Commons and Activities, urged people to use alternatives to driving by car pooling, bicycling or walking.
“I don’t have a car, and I don’t want one either,” she said. “I think it’s a bother. I’m located in the Fan just so I wouldn’t have to drive.”
With gas prices rapidly increasing, Sehannie said that most people depend too much on the automobile.
Patrick Still, a student member of the American Chemical Society, helps the environment by recycling.
“I think a lot of people in college don’t use less,” he said. “We are very extravagant in clothing … We have a responsibility to care for the earth. Even if it won’t affect us now, it will in the future.”
Emily Swinson, student coordinator for VCU’s environmental conservation, said Earth Day is a good way to make students aware of how they can help the environment.
“I’m trying to promote recycling in the dorms and residence halls,” she said. “I’m really antiliter. It almost pains me to see people throw bottles in trash cans when they have the opportunity to put them somewhere where it can be reused.”
Throughout the event, environmentally conscious people and others joined together to help save the earth.
“Where else are we gonna go? This is our home,” said Paoula Sehje.