Earth Day events to promote hope, involvement in environmentalism

ShelRogers

WKU’s Office of Sustainability is continuing this year’s Earth Day celebration with two speakers on Wednesday, April 18.

Actor Carl Lombardi will give two performances of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” that day, at noon at the Faculty House and at 3:30 p.m. in the Mass Media and Technology Hall auditorium, according to the office’s website. Audience members are encouraged to bring a lunch to the noon performance.

Kohl Crecelius, founder and CEO of Krochet Kids International, will speak Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the Mass Media auditorium.

Krochet Kids International is a non-profit organization that teaches people in developing countries how to crochet and, in turn, rise above poverty, according to their website.

Sustainability Coordinator Christian Ryan-Downing said she is “so excited” for the speakers and for this year’s Earth Day festivities.

“I’ve seen [Lombardi] perform ‘The Lorax’ before, and it’s really fun and really good,” Ryan-Downing said. “And Kohl has this really great story to tell that’s inspiring, especially for young people.”

GreenTopper president Morgan Mickelson said she’s been “waiting for this month all semester.”

“Now it’s crunch time,” Mickelson said. “To prepare for the events, I have been focusing on getting the word out to all students. We have great things going on, and I hope everyone gets involved. It will be a great way everyone can learn while also having fun and celebrating Earth Day.”

The celebration’s main event is the Earth Day Festival in the Downing University Center Courtyard and Centennial Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20, which will feature music, activities, booths, and giveaways, according to the office’s website.

Ryan-Downing said this year is “Earth Day done up right.”

“My favorite thing about Earth Day this year is that it’s inspiring and hopeful — not the doom and gloom normally associated with conservation,” she said. “It’s very important for students to see the positive side.”