Want to help save our planet? You can show your support for the environment by participating in the biggest environmentally friendly event of the year. York's annual Mega Environmental Awareness Week kicks off today for four fun-filled days featuring tree planting, campus clean-up, an art show and "green" concert , and other nature-friendly activities.
York is U, the University’s student alumni program, organizes the annual event to encourage students to do their part to preserve and expand the green space on York's campus. "Students who attend will feel a sense of community and empowerment by the positive messages they will hear. We hope that it will be a pleasant experience for all and serve as a reminder that every forward step we take is a step for change," says Adeyinka Daramola, York is U’s campus life director.
The week-long event features an interactive environmental expo that includes recycling basketballs, water taste tests, model eco-systems, windmills and solar smart cars in Accolade East. There will be lectures and workshops by environmental groups, and artwork by York students.
Left: Volunteers helped plant 192 trees last year
The big participation events take place Tuesday – Arbour Day and Campus Clean-up Day, devoted to tree planting and garbage collection. In previous years York students have planted over 200 trees and collected over 100 bags of campus garbage and recyclables. "There are so many little things that students can do to help the environment. Things that take almost no effort but make a big difference," says sociology student and volunteer Yvonne Cai.
The week ends with Roots, Rock(s), Revolution: The Green Concert on Thursday. Organized by the Creative Arts Students Association, it will feature bands, singers, acts, dancers and comedians who will help spread awareness of environmental issues affecting the York community.
Environmental sciences student Tanzil Islam believes York students can make a world of difference during Mega Environmental Awareness Week. "Learning about the state of our Earth today can really bring you down sometimes. The sixth extinction crisis, climate change and degradation of every imaginable habitat – it's hard to swallow all at once. But uplifting events like our environmental expo, tree planting and the concert allow you to become aware but avoid the doom and gloom in the meantime. The York community is 50,000 students strong – if we all joined the green revolution, we'd be strides closer to restoring our Mother Earth's health."
Mega Environmental Awareness Week
Monday, Oct. 16
- Over 30 exhibits in Accolade East Lobby, 10am-4pm. Win prizes all day
Tuesday, Oct. 17
- Campus Cleanup Day, 11am-1pm. Meet in 307 Student Centre
- Arbour Day, 1:30-4pm. Tree planting in Danby Woodlot (by Chimneystack Road and Keele Street). Win prizes all day
Wednesday, Oct. 18
- Over 30 exhibits in Accolade East Lobby, 10am-4pm. Win prizes all day
- Workshops and information sessions in 307 Student Centre, 10:30am-3:30pm. Win prizes all day
Thursday, Oct. 19
- Roots, Rock(s), Revolution: The Green Concert in Winters College Dining Hall, 12:30-4pm
This story was submitted to YFile by York is U ambassador Bai Bunpanya.