Public Affairs

Earth Day Around the CSU

Students at CSU Monterey Bay take a break to enjoy their surroundings during an Earth Day campus clean-up event.
Students at CSU Monterey Bay take a break to enjoy their surroundings during
an Earth Day campus clean-up event.

April 22, 2010
By Elizabeth Chapin

This April, California State University campuses are celebrating our planet by focusing on the global and community impact of environmental issues.  Earth Day originated with a proposal made by San José State alumnus and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Nelson’s proposal led to the gathering of 20 million Americans on April 22, 1970 – with the intent to draw attention to the environmental concerns threatening the entire ecosystem and local communities.

Today, CSU campuses continue to reflect on the environment through Earth Day activities focused on topics such as sustainable practice, conservation, recycling, climate change, and emissions reduction.    

Campus events offer global perspectives and a focus on  research and innovation, as well as demonstrate CSU’s role in the local community, economy and workforce.

Research and Innovation

  • CSU Fullerton held an  Alternative Energy and Transportation Expo featuring electric, hydrogen fuel cell and other clean energy vehicles. 
  • Humboldt State hosted a talk by Tim Lipman, Ph.D., whose research focuses on electric drive vehicles, fuel cell technology and renewable energy. 
    Lipman lectured on low carbon vehicle research and sustainability practices.
  • San Diego State’s Kyoto prize symposium welcomed Isamu Akasaki – the 2009 recipient of the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology. Akasaki’s research contributions led to the development of eco-friendly light-emitting diode (LED) technology.
  • Professor Connie Ulasewicz, a leader in the sustainable fashion movement, received San Francisco State’s Community Service Learning Award on Earth Day.  SFSU also held a student fashion show showcasing sustainable designs.

Global Impact

  • CSU Channel Islands’ annual Poe symposium “Climate Change in the 21st Century” welcomed top researchers to discuss ongoing work in climate change.
  • Sacramento State’s Environmental Students Organization and Peace and Conflict International hosted a campus festival celebrating Earth Day where students reflected on the history of the environmental movement.
  • Sonoma State featured a screening and discussion of filmmaker Scott Kennedy’s award winning documentary, The Garden, which follows the plight of immigrant farmers.
  • CSU Stanislaus hosted environmental economist Marc Conte, who works with the Natural Capital Project.  Conte’s “Reflecting on the Current State of the Environment” discussed mainstreaming ecosystem services. 

Workforce and Economy

  • CSU Chico’s Eco Fest gave students an opportunity to network with active green members of the campus community. The free event, concerned with the sustainability of Chico’s community, was open to all green businesses and organizations.
  • Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego State held environmentally conscious career fairs highlighting sustainable businesses.  Cal Poly Pomona also featured a panel discussion on green jobs.

Campus and Community

  • CSU Dominguez Hills included its inaugural Award for Environmental Advocacy in this year’s Earth Day celebrations. The award, honoring commitment to sustainability and education, was presented to the California Water Service Company. 
  • CSU Monterey Bay’s Earth Week included a campus clean-up day for staff, students and administrators, community gardening, and a “biking to breakfast” event.
  • At San José State, San José Mayor Chuck Reed addressed the newly-formed collaborations between the city and SJSU  in an effort to  develop a green workforce and support green building projects.