Earth Day inspires fair, promotes "green" awareness

This past week Saddleback Community College was host to Earth Week, which put a spotlight on the environment and the impact that human beings have on Mother Nature. The week was created by Saddleback's Awareness Club and Green Committee.

"Earth Week is a time to think about how our impact on the earth is shaped by the use of natural resources," said Evan Burbridge, 21, landscape architecture.
Many events took place during the week, which focused on the different ways that we can positively affect and appreciate nature.

Monday featured a free showing at SSC 212 of "Natural Parks: America's Best Idea," which was made by Academy Award-nominated director Ken Burns, who also created such acclaimed films like "Brooklyn Bridge" and "The Statue of Liberty." The documentary featured The United States National Park system and its history.

Tuesday focused on a workshop about composting and water conservation, which was hosted by the California Master Gardener's Association in SSC 212. According to their website, The UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County, California, are a dedicated group of trained volunteers that provide assistance and share information about gardening in and around the Orange County area.

The busiest day of them all was Wednesday, which featured an Earth Week Fair that took place in the Student Services Center. The event featured booths by Frutti Scoops Italian Ice, The Green Party, Soylar Wax Candles, among others.

The fair was quite busy, and had plenty of volunteers and students enjoying the festivities.

"It's awesome that there are so many people here. I'm enjoying the Italian Ice myself," said Ana Amore, 19, dance. "I think it would take forever to check everything out."
Not only was the fair underway on that very day, but Disney's "Earth", was showing in SSC 212 later on in the afternoon. The documentary depicts the diversity of wild habitats and creatures across the planet and cautions the threats to their future survival.
To cap the week off, there was a cigarette butt clean-up in the quad on Thursday, and a beach clean-up at Doheny State Beach on Saturday morning.

With the diverse number of events during the week, the student body at Saddleback had numerous opportunities to learn about the importance of taking care of Mother Earth.
"I want students to know that, even though they don't spend much time [at Saddleback], that they can have an outlet to be environmentally friendly here," Burbridge said. "They can help out here as well as in their community, or wherever they go."