by The Cowl Editor on May 2, 2019
Campus
by Malena Aylwin ’22
News Staff
Earth Day is an annual holiday recognized internationally on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection and wildlife conservation. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 192 countries.
In celebration of Earth Day, Providence College, along with WDOM 91.3 FM and PC Go Green held an Earth Day Carnival on Sunday, April 28 from 11-3 p.m.
Thought the carnival was originally planned to be held on Slavin Lawn, but it was moved to Lower Slavin due to the rain.
The event and activities were organized by EcoPC, which consists of 12 EcoReps and their respective hall councils.
There were as many as 22 tables, each with different activities and ideas all honoring Earth Day. Some of the featured activities included decorating clay pots and mason jars, reusable canvas bags, free koozies, lactose-free ice cream, Earth Day trivia to win a metal straw, and other fun activities.
Kailey Humason ‘22, who won a metal straw, said, “It was really nice to see what we can do as college students to help our planet. It can even be in little ways, such as using a metal straw for your coffee, that can have a big impact.”
There were various clubs present like Gaelic Society, Photo Club, Student Congress, American Marketing Association, as well as outside groups like Sunrise, National Grid, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, Waste Management, Like No Udder, and Glow Smoothie Cafe. Live music was provided by both an outside band and a PC student group. They also had free pizza, popcorn, and numerous giveaways.
Fatima Velasquez ‘22 stated, “The Earth Day carnival was a complete success. They had a lot of fun games and prizes that revolved around the same theme: saving and being aware of our planet. This is an ongoing problem that in 10 to 15 years we will all have to face it and so will our kids, so I think everyone should be more serious and interested because, after all, it is our planet and our lives that are at stake.”
Some students were more concerned than others regarding our planet’s status.
Grace Crowley ‘22 said, “I feel like everyone should be more involved in these types of activities because it’s just so sad how our planet is dying in front of our very own eyes, and half of the people don’t seem to care enough.”
Overall, around 300 students, staff, and families stopped by to participate in the activities and learn how to protect the planet.