UNT celebrates Earth Week April 21-25

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - 19:02

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The University of North Texas will celebrate Earth Week April 21–25 (Monday-Friday) with tree plantings, festivals, art exhibitions, educational forums, award ceremonies and more.

In 2009, UNT created a sustainability office to oversee initiatives related to energy, water and resource conservation. In addition to operational projects, UNT Sustainability also oversees educational and outreach programs to encourage sustainable behaviors. This year marks the university's sixth year of Earth Week celebrations.

"Earth Week is an opportunity for UNT to engage students and the local community in conversations about sustainability," said Nicole Cocco, UNT Sustainability outreach coordinator. "Since 2009, this annual event has grown and we're excited about this year's lineup of events."

Events include:

April 21 (Monday) – The week kicks off with the Earth Week Awards Ceremony and Honorary Tree Planting from noon–1 p.m. on the Gateway Center lawn. The event acknowledges those who have made UNT a sustainable campus. Campus organizations and individuals are awarded for their efforts in sustainability initiatives, and a tree is planted in honor of someone who has retired and left a long-standing green legacy. This year's honoree is Charlie Jackson, former UNT associate vice president of facilities.

April 22 (Tuesday) – EarthFest, a large carnival event on the UNT Library Mall with expo booths, free food, giveaways and special guests from 4–7 p.m. Vocal Trash, a musical group that promotes sustainability through song and breakdance will perform.

April 23 (Wednesday) – As a leader in sustainable education, UNT is committed to offering students opportunities to understand the pros and cons of sustainability issues. In promoting a holistic education, UNT is facilitating an interactive, educational forum called "What the Frack?," with anti and pro-fracking representation to present information about the topic of hydraulic fracturing. The event takes place from 5–6 p.m. in room 125 of UNT's Environmental Education, Science and Technology building.

April 24 (Thursday) – Guest Chef Mikel Lawrence will offer a cooking demonstration on vegan sliders at UNT's Mean Greens cafeteria from 11 a.m.1 p.m.

Earth Week 2014 concludes on April 25 (Friday) with a morning workshop on Agriburbia, a new sustainable development concept, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Business Leadership Building 285, and an afternoon tree planting in honor of Arbor Day from noon–2 p.m. in front of the Murchison Performing Arts Center.

For a full list of event times, locations, costs and updates, visit the UNT Earth Week website.

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