Earth Week 2019 Activities April 22-27 Include Free Family-Fun Sustainability Displays, Activities

By Jeff Murphy, April 15, 2019

WARRENSBURG, MO – Honoring the University of Central Missouri’s commitment to creating an awareness of environmental issues that affect our planet and efforts related to more sustainable approaches to dealing with these issues, UCM faculty, staff and students are joining the worldwide observance of Earth Week. All activities are planned Monday-Saturday, April 22-27.

The week of special events is being coordinated by the Office of Sustainability in cooperation with other organizations, both on and off campus. From events ranging from a Mini Sustainability Mall to a fashion show using restyled, recycled, revamped clothing to a kite derby and the 19th annual Earth Day at the Farm, all of these family friendly activities are free and open to the public.

Earth Week 2019 begins on Earth Day, an observance that takes place annually on Monday, April 22. The university’s celebration features a Mini Sustainability Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the east side of the Elliott Student Union quadrangle. It is an opportunity to learn more about campus organizations and activities that are focused of creating a more sustainable environment, while also learning about services that are available to assist members of the campus community in a variety of different ways. Information tables will be provided by the Office of Sustainability, UCM Green Dot, Horticulture Club, Campus Cupboard, Dining Services, and Warrensburg Citizens for Environmental Action. Electric cars also will be on display.

In addition to the Mini Sustainability Mall, Monday activities include an opportunity to see the film, “For the Love of Water,” at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the UCM Union Cinema.

Earth Week participants can learn how to turn recycled materials into colorful, innovative clothing at the Recycle-Restyle-Revamp Fashion Show at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 on the lower-level basketball court of the UCM Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Students and faculty in the university’s fashion merchandising program are coordinating this special event.

On Tuesday, April 23 and Friday, April 26, all who are interested in learning about self-sustainability are invited to participate in the free Yoga program. Sessions will be led by UCM staff member Zuzy Latare from 1 to 2 p.m. on the east side of the W.C. Morris Science Building. In case of rain, the sessions will be moved to Student Recreation and Wellness Center Room 166A.

The movie, “An Inconvenient Truth,” is offered at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday in the UCM Union Cinema.

Featured Earth Week activities on Wednesday, April 24, include the Earth Week Lunch and Learn (free lunch provided) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Elliott Student Union 237 A-B, and the Goodwill and E-Waste Recycling Drive, noon to 6 p.m. at UCM Lot 36, corner of Zoll and Clark streets.  An array of e-waste items will be accepted at this time ranging from computers and keyboard accessories to other types of electronics (no tube televisions allowed). It also is an opportunity to donate items such as clothing and accessories, lawn care equipment, furniture, housewares, linens, exercise equipment and more to help individuals in need.

Thursday, April 25, is Pertle Springs Work Day. Volunteers are needed to help make this popular university recreational area summer ready. Participants will assist with projects such as re-graveling the path from the parking lot to trail head. Tools will be provided. Signup is available at facebook.com/UCMSustainability. All volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing such as long pants and close-toed shoes, and should remember to bring drinking water and sunscreen.

Other Thursday activities include outdoor-themed information tables from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Elliott Student Union, and a bike maintenance event from 10 a.m. to noon near the ramp on the east side of the Union near the Office of Student Activities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes.

An opportunity to win a male and female children’s bike is available Friday, April 26. A raffle for bikes is planned as part of the Kite Derby from 3-6 p.m. at the James C. Kirkpatrick Library lawn. Come as you are and build your own kite. Consistent with the family fun atmosphere of the week, kid-friendly activities will be available at this event sponsored by The Spotlight and the Office of Sustainability.

During the evening Friday, April 26, families are encouraged to grab a blanket and cushions and head to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center atrium.  The free movie “Wall-E” will be shown at 7 p.m.

Earth Week concludes Saturday, April 27 as Johnson County Citizens for Environmental Action present Earth Day at the Farm, 700 S. Mitchell St. This free family event takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come and enjoy activities to inspire a healthy, happy, and sustainable community. They can learn about native plants, invasive species, and keeping bees. They also can sample locally produced food, and purchase local art and goods. This event is co-sponsored by UCM and the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about Earth Week activities, contact Megan Fletcher at 660-543-8733 or mlf46310@ucmo.edu for more information.