Earth Day is April 22, and a student group at Sonoma State University is encouraging the campus community to start the celebration one day early with events scheduled throughout the day on Thursday, April 21.
"We want to promote different avenues for involvement, whether on or off campus," says Liz Platte-Bermeo, director of sustainability for JUMP (Join Us Making Progress), a student group focused on volunteering in the community who is organizing Sonoma State's Earth Day events.
To start, there will be a bike energizer station near the main entrance of campus on Person Lawn, 8-10 a.m. with snacks and refreshments for those who bike, walk or take alternative transportation that day.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. JUMP is holding an e-waste and clothing drive in the Darwin-Stevenson Quad in front of the library. Several campus groups and students will be at information booths with topics like the benefits of a plant-based diet, DIY household products, compost facts and myths, and more. There will also be live music and a free yoga class from noon to 1 p.m.
"We want to educate people on everyday things they can be doing to be more sustainable," says Platte-Bermeo.
On Wednesday, April 20, Campus Rec hosts a screening of "The Lorax" in Seawolf Plaza on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Free snacks and popcorn are provided.
JUMP is hosting environmental-focused volunteer opportunities on April 22. For more information, visit https://orgsync.com/24644/events/1444295/occurrences/3280029 or email jump.sustainability@sonoma.edu.