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CSUMB goes green with Earth Day events

Mammoth comes back from extinction – at least for awhile

Education is at the heart of Earth Day – which is really Earth Week at CSU Monterey Bay.

The university will celebrate with eight days of activities intended to educate the community about the planet, sustainability and how we can make the world a better place.

Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and classrooms across the country to demonstrate for a healthy environment and a sustainable way of life. That led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the clean air, clean water and endangered species acts. It was the birth of the modern environmental movement.

Since that first Earth Day, people around the world have sought to celebrate the planet. But Earth Day is about more than observing the beauty and vitality of nature; it's also about renewing our commitment to saving our living planet. ??

Associated Students Environmental Senator Tyler Belko wanted to add something new to this year’s celebration, and came up with the idea of a 3D art piece that would raise awareness of the environment, Earth Day and public art.

He approached Dio Mendoza, an instructor in the Visual and Public Art Department, about a project that would involve the entire campus. Originally, he wanted an earth globe sculpture, but Mendoza and Steev White, VPA instructional technician, suggested a mammoth – a creature that has been extinct for thousands of years – as a symbol of climate change.

Over the course of several months, the 6-foot-tall sculpture was created in the VPA studio using plastic, fabric, Styrofoam and paper. On April 12, it was moved to a location outside the library, where it will be on display until commencement. Read more about Mona the Mammoth.

The schedule:

April 21, noon- 2 p.m.: Caught Green-Handed Bring your reusable cups to Peet's or Starbucks and receive a cool incentive from the Environmental Affairs Committee, and find out about Earth Week

April 22, noon-2 p.m.: Earth Day Visit the main quad to check out exhibitors from within and outside the CSUMB community and find out how their organizations are committed to sustainability. Check out the bike-operated smoothie machine.

April 23, 3-5 p.m.: Bike Fort Ord Meet at the Student Center for a mountain bike ride through Fort Ord and end with a healthy barbecue at the Student Center.

April 24, 6-8 p.m.: Screening of "Last Call at the Oasis" This documentary about the world’s water crisis will be shown in the West Lounge of the Student Center.

April 25: Fort Ord cleanup and ropes course activity Join the Environmental Affairs Committee and Outdoor Recreation for another cleanup of Fort Ord and then climb the campus ropes course for a fun, challenging and healthy activity.

April 26: Big Tree Band, 6-10 p.m. Come to the Black Box Cabaret to see indie bands Big Tree and Brass Magic from Berkeley. The bands are on a biodiesel tour for Earth Week and give a presentation about sustainability after their performance.

April 26: Abrupt Climate Change, a lecture by Dr. Guy McPherson, 7-8 p.m. At the Alumni and Visitors Center, Dr. McPherson will talk about how the rate of climate change now threatens our species with extinction in the near term. This presenation summarizes recent research on abrupt climate change and outlines a path for the future. A question-and-answer session will follow.

April 28: Swap Shop, noon-2 p.m. The main quad turns into a thrift shop where students can swap gently used clothes for items that were previously donated. Remaining items will be donated to Dorothy's Place, a provider of services for the homeless in Salinas.

April 29: Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sustain a life by donating blood at the Student Center. E-mail Rachel Sutton at rsutton@csumb.edu to schedule an appointment or walk in and sign up.

Upcoming events include “green” elements at commencement and an end-of-semester move-out that emphasizes diverting material from the landfill by recycling and reusing items that would othewise be thrown away.

Learn more about sustainability at CSUMB