Since 1970, environmental activists and humanitarians around the planet have come together for Earth Day every April 22. As the climate crisis intensifies, student organizers say that education and participation is more important than ever. Working to create a sustainable future, HSU’s Associated Students Earth Week Every Week committee has organized a variety of workshops, lectures, group therapy sessions, and scavenger hunts to take place throughout Earth Week this April.
The full schedule of Earth Week activities can be found here. Events are also posted on the HSU Sustainability Calendar and Virtual Quad.
“We have to take care of one another while being mindful of what is happening globally,” says Josefina Barrantes, a Political Science major and Earth Week Every Week committee head. “It’s challenging as the pandemic has exacerbated people’s feelings of anxiety about the climate crisis.”
To offer support, HSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) will host a Climate Grief group therapy workshop on April 19 at 5 p.m. The group will be led by CAPS therapists and Environmental Studies Professor Sarah Ray, author of “The Field Guide to Climate Anxiety.”
“Action is a great way to mitigate feelings of hopelessness,” says Barrantes.
Other Earth Week events include:
The Climate Journal Project
Wednesday, April 21 at 4 p.m.
In partnership with Waste Free Earth, this short workshop will offer space to help alleviate environmental anxiety and fears with guided journaling. Watch the Climate Journal Project Youtube Video to learn more.
Films for Fresh Perspectives with the Waste Reduction Resource Awareness Program
Wednesday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
Following a screening of the film “Kiss the Ground,” WRRAP’s Compost Squad will educate participants on how to use the worm bins given out as prizes throughout Earth Week.
CSU Earth Day: Taking Action for People and the Planet
Thursday, April 22 at 12 p.m.
Join a one-hour panel discussion youth leaders of the intersectional environmental and climate justice movement followed by breakout discussions. Speakers include Sage Lenier, a peer environmental educator at the Story of Stuff Project, Kevin Patel, founder and executive director at OneUpAction, and Kristy Drutman, a climate activist and speaker.
HSU Trashion Show
Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate regeneration by showing off your trashiest recycled fashion designs. HSU’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability will serve as judges. Winners in three categories will take home worm bins: Trashiest Costume, Most Creative, and Most Wearable in Public.
Mushroom and Succulent Scavenger Hunt
Monday-Friday, April 19-23
Participate by downloading the iNaturalist app and join the “HSU Earth Week Mushroom & Succulent Scavenger Hunt.” The five people who post the most plants will receive worm bins as prizes.
Northcoast Environmental Center Trash-a-Thon
Monday-Friday, April 19-23
Raise money for the Northcoast Environmental Center while picking up trash! Volunteers are encouraged to virtually collect pledges from their family and friends. Suggested pledges are $0.05 – $5 per piece of trash. Email nec@yournec.org for more info.