University students throughout Flint are working together on one common goal: Recycling as many plastic containers as possible.
This year for Recycle Challenge 2016, students from Mott Community College, Baker College, Kettering University, and the University of Michigan-Flint are NOT competing.
Instead, they are working together to promote recycling.
“It seemed appropriate to come together and support the collection and recycling plastic containers in our community,” said Brandon Eggleston, a UM-Flint senior and environmental club leader. “Bottled water is being generously donated due to Flint’s water emergency, so this year’s recycle challenge will help our city by further assisting Flint’s recovery to properly handle the plastic waste associated with the water emergency.”
Students also are working together to encourage more Flint residents to utilize the city’s existing, but not well known, curbside recycling program.
Students from FUEL (Future Urban and Environmental Leaders) and BSU (Black Student Union) are leading the effort by working with other student groups to promote recycling as well as coordinate community discussions on the benefits of recycling and the environmental impact if plastics are not managed or recycled properly. These discussions will take place at the Sylvester Broome Center, Hispanic Technology Center, and Berston Fieldhouse.
Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to support this community initiative by bringing their clean plastic containers numbered 1 through 7 to recycling collection points on the four college campuses:
• Mott Community College: Near Lot Q, in the Gorman Parking lot.
• Baker College: In front of campus safety, located in the technology building.
• UM-Flint: Next to the Recreation Center, on Mill Street near Parking Lot A.
• Kettering University: North side of Campus Center Building
The total amount of recycled plastic will be announced at the annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at the University of Michigan-Flint’s Harding Mott University Center. A list of Earth Day activities planned so far is listed below.
“No matter which college or university you support, we encourage you to participate in this year’s Recycle Challenge in order to meet our collective goal,” Eggleston said.
Recycle Challenge is once again sponsored by the City of Flint and Republic Services, Flint’s residential curbside recycling program contractor.
Earth Day Celebration 2016
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016 Harding Mott University Center University of Michigan-Flint
The annual Earth Day Celebration is sponsored by the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College. This community event is free and is one the largest environmental events in Genesee County. This year’s celebration will feature more than 50 exhibitors, vendors, presenters, and musicians. Sierra Club Lake Nepessing Group will distribute live tree seedlings to all attendees.
FUEL (Future Urban and Environmental Leaders) is taking the lead to make the Earth Day Celebration a zero-waste event. The UM-Flint student group is working with vendors and exhibitors to reducing, recycling, and/or composting materials generated at the Earth Day event.
Here’s a look at some of the activities planned so far:
Presentations & Speakers
10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. in the Kiva
This year’s Earth Day event has a number of engaging speakers talking on a variety of topics, such as Dr. Marty Kaufman, UM-Flint Earth and Resource Science Faculty will give a presentation on water distribution infrastructure and actions for improvements and remediation. Speakers from the Local Grocer and Edible Flint will give presentations regarding on the importance of locally grown foods, and how buying local is beneficial to the environment, our health and the way we live. Amy Freeman-Rosa will discuss various mindful and sustainable living methods that can be used to reduce the negative impacts we have on the environment. Rebecca Fedewa, executive director of the Flint River Watershed Coalition will be discussing the health of the Flint River and future development proposed for the watershed. Rita Patel, author and artist will inspire individuals with her presentation, “Letter to You from Your Future self” relating to personal and community connectedness.
Returning from 1:45 p.m-3 p.m. is “Get the Dirt”—during which several speakers give a 5-minute talks on a timely and relevant environmental topic. It also includes a question and answer time to generate thoughts and discussion.
Live Animals & Children’s Activities
10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the second floor of the University Center
Nature Discovery returns again this year featuring live reptiles and amphibians native to Michigan will offer informative presentations and hands-on opportunities. It will include Joe Rogers and Wildlife Recovery featuring live birds of prey, the Organization for the Conservation of Bats with live bats. Ruth Mott Foundation and Applewood will have information and a hands-on children’s activity. For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum is bringing live reptiles and their Truck Farm. UM-Flint Early Childhood Center will have seed bombs to give away and storytelling. Seven Ponds Nature Center will have a hands-on touch table with lots of furs, bones, rocks, bird nests and many more natural specimens for visitors to learn about.
Healthy Living Fair
10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the University Center lobby and Happenings Room
Vendors will be set up all day at the Healthy Living Fair portion of the Earth Day event. Products focused on healthy food, recycled/green sustainable arts and earth friendly cleaning and personal care products will be for sale. Attendees can learn, discuss, and gather information on a wide variety of earth friendly cleaners, personal products, and eating healthy food from local sources. Earth friendly products made from natural materials and crafts made from recycled materials, along with a variety of cottage foods will be available for purchase during the event.
Screen Print Your Own Free Recycled T-Shirt
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the University Center
Experienced screen printers will help attendees reuse an old T-shirt. You can bring a T-shirt of your own or pick one from the selection of free, gently used T-shirts available.
Live Music
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
There will be various music groups performing at the event, including Blue Train, a local band performing a pleasant blend of folk and blue grass style music. Riley McClincha will also share songs and exciting stories about his river kayaking travels around the state as well as his adventures to Canada and Niagara Falls.
Bike Tours
10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Recreation Center
Borrow a bike free of charge from the UM-Flint Recreation Center for a short, guided bike tour around the campus, the Local Grocer, Urban Garden Demo, Farmers’ Market, UM-Flint Urban Alternative Housing, and the Flint Cultural Center.
Chef Demonstrations
• 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in Clint’s Café, 3rd Floor of the University Center
There will be live Chef Demos on how to prepare healthful meals using local produce and free food samples.
For more information or to learn how you can participate in the Earth Day Celebration, please call 810-766-6763.
