April 18 marks Meramec’s Second Annual Earth Day in the Student Center Quad
Kelly Glueck
-Managing Editor-
The weather is hot, the A/C is on and gas prices are on the rise. STLCC-Meramec’s second annual meramec’s earth day celebration will offer students tips on how to fill their wallets by making sustainable choices.
“Sometimes it makes good, economical sense to be sustainable,” Meramec Sustainability Coordinator Emily Neal said.
The event will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on april 18 in the Student Center Quad and will host 16 off-campus presenters. The goal, according to Neal, is to educate students on the economical and ecological benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling.
“Global climate change is a reality and this Earth Day is all about celebrating the efforts that have already been made to try and make a positive impact.” Neal said. “[It’s] about brainstorming ways that we can be adapting to the changes that are coming.”
Neal said she hopes the event will be eye-opening and fun for students to think about. The committee invited a variety of organizations to provide many different aspects of sustainability.
The presenters will include The St. Louis Cardinals – For a Green Game, Laclede Gas and Kirkwood Living and many more.
Meramec Service Learning Coordinator Donna Halsband will join Kirkwood Living Green Chairman Walter Smith at a sponsored booth during the event.
Smith said that sustainability is not only important for the earth, but for the economy. The recycling and reuse industry consists of 56,000 companies that employ 1.1 million people and gross over 236 billion annually.
“Converting waste into valuable raw materials–recycling–creates jobs, builds more competitive manufacturing industries, and adds significantly to the U.S. economy.”
