UMKC’s Environmental Student Council (ESC) will kick off Earth Week on April 21, hosting a variety of events for students to celebrate environmental activism.
With Earth Day taking place on April 22, ESC has turned it into a week-long celebration. The week draws attention to environmental and social justice issues, as well as educating people on environmental concerns.
Makayla Long, ESC’s compostable cutlery coordinator, highlighted the lighter side of Earth Week.
“It’s an opportunity to bring individuals together who share common interests and serve as a source of fun activities to participate in,” said Long.
ESC will host many of these events in collaboration with other student organizations, like the Student Environmental Coalition (SEC) and the Geology club. They also serve as an opportunity to increase membership for these clubs.
The ESC and SEC, are both looking for new officers next semester, according to ESC Undergraduate Student Representative Lydia Weaver
A Geode Cracking event will take place at 2 p.m. April 21 at the University Playhouse. Students can crack open rock geodes to reveal their crystal interiors in a fun, interactive activity as well as socialize with other students.
The following day at 2 p.m., April 22, ESC will host a Lawn Party in front of Katz Hall. It will feature live music, food, drinks, yard games as well as a “DIY rock candy activity.”
On April 23 at 12 p.m., there will be a Native Planning event at the Student Gardens.
The next night, April 24, they will host a movie night at Miller Nichols Library in room 451 at 7 p.m.
To wrap up the week, they will display a “Trash-cano” which according to previous years, is a large functioning volcano diorama ending with an eruption. It will take place at the Plaster Center on April 25 at 12 p.m.
Long also touched on the huge responsibility students face to save the environment.
“There can be a lot of pressure placed on individual actions as a way to mitigate climate change,” said Long. “Even if our actions may seem minuscule, they can be beneficial on a larger scale if more people participate.”
More information on the events can be found on ESC’s, SEC’s, and the Geology Club’s respective RooGroups. Those interested in becoming an officer at the ESC are encouraged to contact the clubs at their RooGroups as well.
