Earth Day might not hold the same importance to some as other more popular holidays. It isn’t a day celebrated with a big meal or gift giving.
However, some people on campus recognize its importance and are choosing to celebrate it in their own way.
Senior Dan Kalkman, Kappa Sigma fraternity member, said in order to observe Earth Day, which is Wednesday, members of the fraternity will be turning off their electricity almost completely.
He said power will only be available for things like security and the refrigerator to keep food from going bad.
Kalkman said the initial goal was to see how many others on campus would become involved, but hasn’t heard of any others who have decided to join.
Along with shutting off power for Earth Day, Kalkman said members of Kappa Sigma have gained environmental awareness throughout the year.
The organization has cut its monthly electricity bill by about $150.
Earth We Are President Justine Greve said the group is planning some Earth Day activities along with its month-long trial of not using trays in the cafeteria.
Activities include a duck race as well as some earth-friendly games around campus.<br/>Greve said the cafeteria is still offering trays for those who feel they can't live without them.Greve said the cafeteria is still offering trays for those who feel they can't live without them.
Greve said the cafeteria is still offering trays for those who feel they can’t live without them.
To make this easier than past trial runs, the cafeteria staff has moved the dessert bar and the cold bar – which usually holds things such as fruits and Jell-O – to the dining area.
Tanya Sieber, assistant director of food services, said this trayless experiment has gone a lot smoother than past trials.
“We wanted to be very careful about how we managed it this time,” Sieber said.
Greve said if this trial is successful, EWA will take the information to students and administrators to try and make the change more permanent.
“We would really like to have it be something the students are on board with rather than the administration making a rule,” Greve said.
