The northern Nevada community can celebrate and learn about options for more sustainable living at the University of Nevada, Reno campus Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19. Educational programs and demonstrations will focus on sustainability efforts and examples of green campus and community resources.“This is a great way to open our campus and provide our community the opportunity to see and learn about some of our great green projects,” said Glenn Miller, professor of natural resources and environmental science at the University.
The University’s Earth Week events will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gateway Plaza in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union Tuesday through Thursday, with a kick-off event Monday at 7 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union’s third-floor Theatre.
Monday, April 15: Kick-Off Film
7 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union’s third-floor Theatre
- “Bidder 70” film about an environmental activist, sponsored by the University and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada. A reception will follow in the Graduate Student Lounge.
Tuesday, April 16: Alternative Transportation
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza, highlighted activities
- Eco-Friendly Vehicles: All-electric Nissan Leaf, University’s Parking and Transportation Service’s Hertz on Demand and an Electric MG
- Campus Cycling Coalition Bike Repair Clinic
1-4:30 p.m.: Nevada Undergraduate Research Symposium Presentations
1-2 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union’s third-floor Theatre
- Welcome and Keynote Speaker, University Provost Kevin Carman
2:30-4:30 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union, Ballroom C
- Student Poster Session and Reception
Wednesday, April 17: Alternative Energy and Water
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza, highlighted activities
- Energy-generating bicycle with interactive demonstration (cellphone recharging station)
- Black Rock Solar Energy Trailer
5:30 p.m.: Nevada Living Learning Community
- Tour of the University’s newest LEED Silver Certified Building, tours given by resident assistants
Thursday, April 18: Waste, Recycling and Local Foods
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza, highlighted activities
- The Return of the Bag Monster, offering free reusable grocery bags to the first 200 people
- Dumpster Dive with trash collected throughout the University
- Plastic-bottle recycling displays around campus
- Plant giveaway sponsored by the University’s Arboretum Board
- Recycled art made by Children of the Child and Family Research Center
- Local food and farming information from Urban Roots and River School, select items available for purchase
- Master Gardener demonstrations including low-tunnel hoop housing and alternative planting
6 p.m.: Joe Crowley Student Union’s Third-Floor Theatre
- “Story of Stuff” movie short to play prior to each showing of the free Thursday Night Movie Series
6 p.m.: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 4955 Energy Way, Reno
- “A Community of Gardeners,” free movie and panel discussion, part of Grow Your Own, Nevada Program and the Tomorrow’s Table Initiative.
Friday, April 19: Valley Road Field Labs and Greenhouse Complex Tours
1 and 2 p.m.: 1000 Valley Road, Reno
- The University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources offers two tours of the Agricultural Experiment Station on Valley Road. The event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in the many different types of research performed at the College is encouraged to attend.
“I’m very excited to see the University and community coming together to recognize and celebrate Earth Day,” said Steven DelaCruz, founder of the University’s Sustainable Energy Network, a student organization involved in the renewable energy industry and green projects. “There will be many learning opportunities from everyday solutions about being more green at home, to potential career paths for young scientists looking for a way to make an impact.”
University partners and organizers of the weeks’ activities include the Joe Crowley Student Union, the University’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Department, Environmental Health and Safety, Academy for the Environment, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, University Arboretum Board, and many Associated Student of the University of Nevada student organizations. Additional campus and community groups will be present at the Student Union Plaza.
For more information and a complete list of event offerings, click here. Self-paid parking is available in the metered lot south of Lawlor Event Center or on the top floor of the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex.
The University’s Earth Week will help kick-off additional community Earth Day celebrations such as the Earth Day 2013 at Idlewild Park on Sunday, April 21.
