As the College and the SUNY system as a whole celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we offer this round-up of programs, opportunities and messages on the importance of environmental protection.
SUNY Chancellor Johnson Statement on the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
“Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and as we grapple with an international pandemic that has upended all of our lives and caused tragedy the world over, it is important to reflect on what this moment in time has meant to us all. The sheer scope of the COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that we all share this Earth together.
“On Earth Day 2020, let us adopt the same kind of passion for preserving our humanity as creatures upon this fragile planet whose very existence depends upon our mutual cooperation with one another every bit as much as the synchronicity between the rain and the trees.
“Let us also celebrate and embrace the genius of those idealistic young people from the youth climate movement of 50 years ago whose advocacy for a worldwide day to honor Earth and the concept of peace is a reminder of the enduring truth found in the wise words of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, when she said: ‘The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.’”
Arts of the Earth Virtual Celebration
All SUNY New Paltz students faculty and staff are invited to submit a piece of artwork inspired by the Earth (see prompts below!) by April 26 to be featured on the @sustainablenewpaltz Instagram page during Earth Week!
This celebration is designed to allow community members to show appreciation for our planet from the safety of their homes.
Submissions will be accepted through Instagram direct message to @sustainablenewpaltz & Google Drive. We encourage creativity and accept all forms of art, including, but not limited to, drawing, painting, singing, music, dancing, sculpture and writing!
Prompt Ideas:
- What does celebrating the Earth mean to you?
- How can you represent the idea of “sustainability” artistically?
- How does nature make you feel? How does it inspire your creativity?
- Create art sustainably: zero waste, eco-friendly, natural materials
- Up-cycled art, make art from the things lying around your house!
- Relating art to environmental issues
- How do you stay grounded/rooted to the earth?
- Illustrate/photograph your favorite place in nature.
- What does the earth look like 100 years from now?
This virtual celebration is organized by the student Sustainability Ambassadors on the Student Engagement and Digital Media Teams of the Office of Campus Sustainability.
Where on Earth are you?
Here’s an easy one, from @sunynewpaltz on Instagram:
DM @sunynewpaltz or use #npsocial and let us know where you are and what you’re doing for Earth Week!
Recognizing A Cleaner, Greener, More Sustainable SUNY on Earth Day
This post from the SUNY Big Ideas blog shows how the state university system is reducing energy consumption. The blog includes examples from each of the 64 campuses, including a nod to SUNY New Paltz’s Campus Pollinator Habitat Plan.
