Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22, is the world’s largest environmental event, with more than six million Canadians participating in activities in their communities.
Dal is no exception and, to mark the occasion several Dal groups — including the President’s Advisory Council on Sustainability, the and the — are organizing a series of events that extend Earth Day into an entire week. From the annual “Dump and Run” to a special celebration for Earth Day itself, there’s plenty of ways to get involved.
Tuesday, April 22
Earth Day celebration
To mark Earth Day, the President’s Advisory Council on Sustainability is organizing a celebration of sustainability at the university. The event will highlight the university’s sustainability accomplishments over the past five years and look ahead to future opportunities. After speeches, guests will be invited to learn more about Dal’s Natural Environment Plan and take part in a tree planting ceremony.
Location: »ĆÉ«Ö±˛Ą Ocean Sciences Building (1355 Oxford Street)
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Snacks and refreshments provided
For more information and to RSVP: rethink@dal.ca
Wednesday, April 23
Fifth Annual Office of Sustainability Celebration
Each year, »ĆÉ«Ö±˛Ąâ€™s Office of Sustainability invites the Dal community to a lunch-and-learn session highlighting the work that’s been done in campus sustainability over the past year. Learn about projects in transportation, energy and climate change, food and waste, built and natural environments and more. The winners of the Brightest Idea and Ecolympics competitions will also be recognized.
The fifth annual event takes place from 12-12:45 in room 1009 of the Rowe Building; lunch is provided. It will be followed by an optional tour of the Solar PV/solar wall system on the roof of the Computer Science Building. Please RSVP to rethink@dal.ca
Thursday, April 24
Public Lecture: Genetically Engineered Foods and Your Health
The College of Sustainability is hosting the Halifax visit of a cross-Canada speakers’ tour about genetically engineered foods and human health. Speakers include Dr. Thierry Vrain, a retired genetic engineer who now speaks against GE technology, and Tony Mitra, an internationally active citizen journalist and food security activist.
The lecture takes place at 7 p.m. in the Potter Auditorium, Rowe Building. Entrance to the event is by donation.
Friday, April 25
Facilities Management Sustainability Celebration
Dal’s Facilities Management team is hosting its own celebration of Dal’s sustainability efforts for Earth Week, and all are welcome to attend. There will be a presentation on various sustainability initiatives followed by a viewing of displays. This exhibition will highlight the sustainability aspects of Facilities Management day-to-day operations and specific projects, and offers an opportunity to speak with team members as well as partners who have contributed.
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It takes place in the McInnes Room, »ĆÉ«Ö±˛Ą Student Union Building, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Please let us know if you plan to attend as seating is limited.
For more information, email Kelly.McGuire@dal.ca
Saturday, April 26
Electronics Drop-Off
The Office of Sustainability and the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) are hosting a community electronics drop-off — an easy, convenient way to recycle your computer equipment, printers and other electronic devices. (No microwaves, please.)
The event takes place in the parking lot of the former Memorial Arena (off of South Street) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, email rethink@dal.ca
Sunday, April 27
Halifax Dump & Run
The Halifax Dump & Run is an annual event, now in its 13th year, that is student-organized and community-run through Saint Mary's University Environmental Society (SMUES) and »ĆÉ«Ö±˛Ą's Office of Sustainability. The goal is to divert waste from local landfills by collecting items people no longer have use for and selling them (cheap!) at a gymnasium-sized indoor yard sale in order to raise money for charitable organizations that support Halifax's social and environmental well-being. Last year, the event raised over $6,000.
Dump & Run takes place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Dal’s Studley Gymnasium. Entrance fee is $1. Items for donation can be dropped off now through April 25 at room LA 186 at Saint Mary’s University, or on April 25 and 26 at the Studley Gym. There will also be community pickups scheduled for April 25 and 26.
For more information, .