Purdue Earth Week events kick off today

Several activities and events are planned on the West Lafayette campus this week to celebrate Earth Day. All events are free of charge and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for some events.

Today (April 17)

* The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Whistler Pollinator Garden will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the southwest corner of Whistler Hall of Agricultural Research. Everyone is invited to attend a brief presentation, explore the garden and ask questions of Grounds and Horticulture and Landscape Architecture representatives. Refreshments will be provided.

* The Earth Week film festival kicks off at 6 p.m. with a showing of "Death by Design" in the Córdova Recreational Sports Center's Boilermaker Room. This highly acclaimed film tells a story of environmental degradation, of health tragedies, and the fast-approaching tipping point between consumerism and sustainability. Snacks will be provided.

Tuesday (April 18)

The Earth Week film festival continues with a double feature beginning at 6:30 p.m. with "Gringo Trails," a film about the challenges of tourism in beautiful and exotic locations -- and ways humans can protect these destinations. The film festival wraps up with "The Lorax," the story of a grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world, at 8 p.m. Both movies will be shown in the Heine Pharmacy Building, Room 172, and pizza will be provided.

Wednesday (April 19)

Visit Memorial Mall between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the Stronger Together Environmental Activity Fair. Purdue’s green organizations will offer sustainability games and experiential learning activities. Participants are encouraged to bike to this event.

Thursday (April 20)

Volunteers are needed to participate in a tree planting event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the east entrance to Horticulture Park off McCormick Road. Purdue will receive its eighth consecutive Tree Campus USA award during a brief presentation, followed by instructions to volunteers and a demonstration of how to plant trees by Physical Facilities Grounds staff. Volunteers must pre-register online. Closed-toe shoes must be worn, and other personal protective equipment will be provided. Lunch will be served to volunteers in attendance who pre-register. 

More information about Earth Week events is available on the Campus Master Planning and Sustainability website.