April 22nd is internationally recognized as Earth Day; a global environmental protection day established by conservationists to promote the seriousness of global environmental and pollution problems.
The beginning of Earth Day is directly linked to Wisconsin. On April 22, 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson advocated Earth Day to arouse national interest in environmental issues after the 1969 marine crude oil spill in southern California.
Earth Day is significant in that it started from a pure civilian movement. At that time more than 20 million people, led by one Harvard student, gathered to hold environmental events. It fosters an environment which fosters discussion and taking practical actions about the environment. Since 1990, Earth Day events have spread around the world.
Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary this year. It has now become a common global holiday, with more than 170 countries participating to appeal that human co-prosperity depends on protecting the planet. However, this year there was harsh abnormal climate throughout the United States. As of April 20th, the temperature in some New York State exceeded 20°C, but the temperature dropped sharply in a day. Even heavy snow and cold weather were forecast in some parts of the state.
There were lots of Earth Day events at UW-Stout, too. The “Earth Day Bash” event was held in the library on April 22nd. The celebration showed documentaries about the environment with snacks. Various crafts activities were given, and students could freely join in making fabric scrap bookmarks, coloring pages, collaging art with recycled paper, or creating their own comic about Earth Day.
Kadi Wright, Sustainability Manager, who held the Earth Day Bash event mainly, said “More than 20 people attend and enjoy interacting with others and doing some sustainability themed crafts. This is the 2nd year hosting the event, and it seemed to be a great way to get people involved and learn more about Earth Day. We plan to continue the event year after year.” Also, she added that “Throughout the entire year, the Sustainability Office work hard to make our world a more sustainable place and reach our campus’s sustainable goals besides the Earth Day Bash celebration”.
Furthermore, there were various Earth Day events held by offices and clubs. HKMC opened the Earth Day Volleyball and Ice Cream event outside. The weather was perfect to play volleyball and enjoy ice cream as the temperature rose into the upper 60s. The Involvement Center also prepared Equity4Earth, where others could connect with nature, learn about environmental sustainability and environment justice, and take home very own
potted plant after the event! Natural Areas Club hosted plant sales, ranging from $1 to $5, offering a variety of succulents and other houseplants.
The 55th Earth Day addresses climate change all over the world, and is expected to be a day to remember the importance of the environment more together. The variety of Earth Day events held at UW-Stout served as a meaningful reminder of the day’s significance.
