The Clark University Ecological-Representatives (Eco-Reps) have invited the entire Clark community to join them for a planting of 350 daffodils in celebration of Earth Day. The student group members, in conjunction with the Sustainable Clark office, will help volunteers – including Clark President David Angel – plant the bulbs between 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m., on Friday, April 22, outside of the Lasry Center for Biosciences on Maywood Street. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that is the limit of safety for humans is 350 parts per million, according to 350.org, and the Eco-Reps chose to plant that number of daffodil bulbs in support of the organization’s mission to combat the global climate crisis. This mission connects with Clark’s Climate Action Plan to become carbon neutral by 2030, said Clark senior and Eco-Rep Hannah Tirrell-Wysocki, Clark Sustainability Intern. The aim is for the daffodils’ perennial blossoms to be a visual reminder of Clark’s commitment to sustainability and the planet. The daffodils were donated by Eliot Agway, in Eliot, Maine, and have been kept chilled in Clark Dining Services’ walk-in cooler over winter. “Although spring is not the ideal time to plant bulbs,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jenny Isler, “they will put on a beautiful show next year.” On Sunday, May 1, The Eco-Reps and others at Clark will sponsor “Go Green on the Green,” a sustainability festival of sorts, with music, games and several memorable and educational visual displays—all meant to help Sustainable Clark celebrate its existing programs and to grow even greener. Following are some of the events planned:
- Clark’s Cycles of Change Bike Share program, which runs bike repair workshops on campus and in the city, will sponsor “Huck a Huffy,” a contest to see how far a person can toss a bicycle;
- An impressive and educational Tower of Recyclables;
- Free CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) for select game winners;
- Greener U, Clark’s energy service provider will present a water pyramid display, showing how many gallons of water are saved using low-flush toilets;
- Students will also conduct an e-waste drive, sponsored by CRT Recycling.
Other Earth Day and ongoing sustainability efforts with Clark participation include: Clark Urban Gardeners plant seeds for this spring and summer’s organic veggies in the student garden; Hadwen Arboretum Trail Walk & Clean Up Day; Regional Environmental Council Community Garden Clean up with Prof. Jennie Stephens and students; Clark Outing Club Clean Up of Cascades Park in Worcester; Clark Community Thrift Store will have a Clothing Relay Race and be open for business all day; and a NuRide partnership drive for ride sharing with green points to decrease carbon emissions. NuRide is the nation’s largest rewards program for individuals who take greener trips. For further information, contact Clark Sustainability Coordinator Jenny Isler, at 508.793.7601 or jisler@clarku.edu.
Since its founding in 1887, Clark University in Worcester, Mass., has a history of challenging convention. As an innovative liberal arts college and research university, Clark’s world-class faculty lead a community of creative thinkers and passionate doers and offer a range of expertise, particularly in the areas of psychology, geography, urban education, Holocaust and genocide studies, environmental studies, and international development and social change. Clark’s students, faculty and alumni embody the Clark motto: Challenge convention. Change our world.