How to celebrate Earth Day in college

By Skyler O’Kelley and Juliette Maners

The 55th anniversary of Earth Day is on April 22, and provides a wonderful opportunity to recommit ourselves to protecting the Earth and to celebrate our beautiful planet. 

For those of you who are wondering why we should celebrate, and how to do so, we would suggest starting by pondering what the Earth and nature mean to you. Do you like to take hikes in the nearby woods? Or play basketball outside with your friends? Perhaps you want to swim in the ocean on a warm day, or hit the snowy slopes in the winter. Reflecting on how you interact with nature can bring into perspective its importance, like watching the snowfall in the winter after a long day at work. By appreciating these sorts of things, one can find themself wanting to protect this feeling of peace nature offers.

Our planet is threatened by many things today, from global warming to pollution and everything in between. It can be easy to believe there is no hope, and that cozy, snowy days are no longer an option. With this in mind, we propose two options for celebrating Earth Day. You are welcome to do both, but doing just one offers a good starting point. 

The first option is to experience nature. By getting outside to appreciate all our planet has to offer, you might discover new ways in which you can interact with the Earth, thus discovering new reasons to protect it. 

The second option is to do something good for the Earth. Cleaning up your local environment, whether that be a park, beach, river or even your backyard, can be a great choice. You could donate your time or money to an organization that focuses on conservation or works with animals. If you want to go bigger, you can reach out to your elected officials and impress upon them the importance of legislation that will defend the rights of our Earth. Choosing either of these options would be a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. 

At Rider, the Office of Sustainability works year-round to share these options and their importance with students. From Campus Race to Zero Waste, an eight-week program highlighting and educating students on a different waste material each week, to supporting TerraCycle, a company that recycles household items that cannot go in your street recycling bins, Rider stays committed to “going green.” It is up to us as students to engage in these programs and show that we care about our planet.

Campus Earth Day is right around the corner and many organizations are getting prepared for Rider’s Earth Day Care Fair on April 22. For example, Broadway Green Alliance will be hosting its third annual Earth Day Cabaret, featuring students singing, reading original poems and dancing. This event will also have tables educating students on sustainability and environmental issues with activities and crafts to accompany them. Additionally, for those looking to stay fashionable sustainably, there will be a free thrift shop where you can grab some gently used threads.

However you choose to celebrate this year, we hope you will take a moment to appreciate our shared home and all that it provides. Happy Earth Day!

Skyler O’Kelley is a junior acting major

Juliette Maners is a senior musical theater major