CSUN Associated Students (A.S.) celebrated Earth Day by joining with 30 clubs and organizations who were out to promote healthy living and environmental awareness by sharing tips on going green, selling healthy foods and having students participate in environmental friendly games.
Director of Clubs and Organizations for A.S. Sunita Popal said she hopes students who walked through the Earth Day event realize how important it is to become greener and also hopes they really start to care about the environment.
‘A lot of the clubs came out to raise awareness about their club or organization as well as keeping the environment clean and sustainable and promoting healthy food,’ said Popal.’ ‘If people stay healthy, hopefully they’d want the world to be healthy.’
Some organizations that were seen on Matador Square were Bikerowave, who fix and tune bikes and Bikery, who are a group of cyclists who teach members how to fix their own bikes on their own rather than spend money.
‘We are here to show people that it’s alright to bike to school or work and promote a sustainable and healthy way of living,’ said one of the founders of the Bikery, Ayla Stern.
To promote healthy living throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Bikery also goes on weekly rides.
‘It’s where a group of cyclists get together once a week and we go on a 15-25 mile bike ride,’ said Mike Kim, senior environmental and occupational health major, who works for the Bikery.
The Latino Business Association (LBA) was also at Earth Day to raise money for their organization by selling Earth cupcakes for $1.50.
‘We are here to show a piece of the Earth and give some facts and tips on how to go green,’ said Darlene Linares, president of the LBA. ‘We’re selling cupcakes, so if you love Earth than you’ll love our cupcakes.’
CSUN Environmental Occupational Health Student Association (EOHSA) was there to inform students about their major and the importance it has on the environment.
‘We are also here to raise awareness about the potential hazards that surround the environment and the students on campus,’ said Mark Cuesto a senior environmental and occupational health major.
EOHSA holds monthly meetings where they usually have someone come in from the LAWD and speak about their experiences.’ Meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend.’
Sheela Bhongir, junior urban study major, was there to show her current independent study project that she is working on.
‘My topic is how we can help CSUN reduce waste production,’ said Bhongir.
A day before the event, Bhongir collected trash between Seirra and Juniper Hall to see which items people threw away were recyclable and compostable.
Students Dietetic Association and Food Science Association (SDFSA) was handing out free biodegradable soil pots with seeds of healthy vegetables in them for students to take home and grow on their own.
‘We want people to know about eating eco-friendly foods,’ said Maithily Bagat, a nutrition graduate student.
SDFSA provides members with information on the value of dietetic and nutritional foods and how important it is to a person body and the environment.
Many students were on hand for the Earth Day event and enjoyed the many booths that were set up.
‘The chemistry and biochemistry table had a smart idea using liquid nitrogen to attract people to them,’ said Max Xu, biology major.’ ‘It was cool how they were handing out graham crackers that were sitting in a bowl of liquid nitrogen.’
