When Zero Is a Positive Number: Earth Day Houston
Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22, got its start in 1970 when millions of Americans from all walks of life mobilized in the early days of the environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions around the globe to advocate for a healthier planet.
This year UHD is partnering with Discovery Green for Earth Day Houston on Saturday, April 20. Dr. Lisa Morano, Professor of Biology and Microbiology and Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability, has coordinated a team of UHD volunteers called Recycling Ambassadors to help meet the GO ZERO challenge for a waste-free event. Recycling Ambassadors will show attendees how to sort their waste as reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Discovery Green is located at 1500 McKinney St. Saturday's event begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m.
"Supporting a healthy planet is not only important for the creatures we share the planet with, but it is ultimately linked to our own health—both now and for future generations," said Dr. Morano. "Earth Day celebrations are a time to remember our obligations to the earth and renew our commitment to a sustainable future."
With art as a natural ally of the environmental movement, the Water Works Festival will be part of the Earth Day Houston festivities. Associate Professor of Design Natacha Poggio is coordinating a dynamic showcase of UHD students' artwork aimed at promoting environmental activism for the festival with printing supported by the City of Houston Public Works.
For "the bayou at y.our doorstep," graphic design students are visualizing the environmental, emotional, and developmental importance of Houston's bayous for community wellbeing. "Envisioning Water: the thread of life" represents a powerful dialogue between poetry and illustration around the theme of water and environmental issues. For this collaborative exhibition led by Professors Poggio (graphic design) and Laura Cesarco Eglin, Ph.D. (creative writing), design students illustrated poems written by creative writing students.
From artwork to activism, UHD's commitment to a more sustainable future will be on display on April 20 at Discovery Green, and Gator students, faculty, and staff will be out in force, teaching others the importance of recycling. It's that kind of commitment and action that proves zero, when it comes to waste, is indeed a positive number.