WKU Office of Sustainability Hosts ‘WKU Earth Day’
A Day for Mother Earth
In an attempt to raise awareness about environmental and sustainability issues, the Office of Sustainability at Western Kentucky University hosted a special event on Friday, April 19, titled “WKU Earth Day”. The event saw participation from local businesses, campus organizations, and numerous aspiring eco-pioneers from the student body.
A Variety of Booths and Activities
During the event, attendees roamed the grounds of Centennial Mall, moving from booth to booth, each highlighting different environmental concerns or sustainability practices. The purpose was to promote an appreciating for earth’s natural resources and to advocate for more eco-friendly habits on campus and beyond.
“The weather plays a vital role in Earth Day discussions. Earth is home to various weather patterns globally, but our climate is shifting significantly due to environmental changes,” said Sam Taylor, president of White Squirrel Weather.
In addition to the informational stalls, there were also a number of engaging activities such as cornhole and life-sized Jenga games. Local businesses also took the opportunity to showcase their contributions to sustainability efforts. Participants had the opportunity to craft their own bouquet of flowers or pick up a potted plant.
Educating through Coral Bleaching Exhibition
A particular attraction at the event was the presentation of research from a WKU oceanography class. The group put a spotlight on the issue of coral bleaching.
“When corals are stressed due to changes in conditions such as increased temperature, they expel their symbiotic algae inhabiting their tissues. This expulsion causes them to lose their color, turning white, and makes them more susceptible to diseases,” explained student researcher Mackenzie Senig. Senig further educated the audience on coral bleaching using a sponge and food coloring, which demonstrated how corals lose color due to stress.
Local Fauna and Flavor at the Event
Adding a fun twist to the educational event, there were food trucks offering regionally sourced bites, and animals from local farms were also present. Students and community members were able to pet and interact with baby goats, and see alpacas up close.
“Everyone loves to visit the alpacas. It always helps create a positive environment,” shared Shawna Gilbert, owner of Happy Herd Farms. This year was no exception, as attendees thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with these lovable animals.
The event, overall, conveyed a strong message of environmental awareness and responsibility and encouraged attendees to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.
