0
0
By Mercedes DeLeon
By Mercedes DeLeon
var uslide_show_id = “6548ab12-de25-43d7-a410-d594045dc866”;var slideshowwidth = “468”;var linktext = “”;Students along with clubs gathered in the A.G. Paul Quadrangle to celebrate Earth Day, which is intended to raise awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.
The event took place on April 22, from 12:50 to 1:40 p.m. It was also held to promote Riverside City College’s recycling program.
Ralph Perez, Director of Maintenance and Operations, spoke about RCC’s current recycling program.
“Throughout the buildings, there are blue recycling trash cans where we separate the paper,” he said.
He also shared how RCC’s new recycling program differs from the one that is currently utilized.
“The students are starting a recycling program with aluminum cans and plastic bottles.”
The bins will arrive and be set up for student and staff use in May, so those on campus can participate and get involved.
“We came here to support the effort of recycling and to make this planet last,” Juan Pablo Porras said. Porras, a musican, proformed at RCC’s Earth Day festivities with his band Flying Brains.
He couldn’t express enough how he and his fellow band members were attempting to get the overall message through to RCC students.
“If we don’t do anything to save this world, then who else will do it?” he said.
“This is a kick off and introduction to recycling at RCC,” said Francisco Porras another member of the Flying Brians.
The Student Association of Interpreters for the Deaf set up a booth that offered information and facts on the environment.
“RCC has been long overdue with the recycling program” said Danny Frank, pleased with the program.
The International Club set up a decorated booth on air pollution in Beijing. They made sure to inform those passing by on the numerous effects of air pollution. “Air pollution will affect the Olympic games” said 18-year-old Deline Leal.
“Last year in August there was talk about postponing the Olympic Games due to air pollution coming from the provinces around Beijing,” she said.
The Global Warming Club, set up by the Amnesty International Club, had provided information on the privatization of water and other natural resources.
“Because of this, the scarcity of water has increased” Max Arriola said, emphasizing the negative effects.
The Amnesty International booth had handouts, drawings and diagrams strictly pertaining to global warming and its effects on Earth and its inhabitants.
Several students attended and participated in the event gaining further awareness of RCC’s newly developed recycling program.
“Recycling is beneficial for the present and future, so that generations who come after us can also enjoy the world and everything it has to offer” Jennifer Swoboda said.
A booth set up by the Associated Students of Riverside City College Senate held a ticket drawing that compelled students to either begin or continue to recycle.
A ticket was given for each bottle that a person recycled.
A bicycle was awarded to the person whose ticket was chosen.
Andrew Tolson, was the winner selected, and posed for the crowd as he claimed his prize.
Hillary Hostuff shared how she personally benefits from recycling. “Five cents per bottle, and three cents per can,” she said.
Kellie Williamson deems the program as being an imperative one, but she has her own opinion pertaining to the matter. “Recycling is only second best, so bring your own reusable containers,” she said.
