CLC students plan Earth Day events
On Monday, April 22, students at the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College will host a free, public Earth Day observance.
The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970, as a means to re-commit resources and promote awareness of environmental stewardship and conservation.
From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., displays and speakers will educate the public on environmental issues, thanks to the students in the Environmental Politics class taught by Michael Ceriello.
Among invited presenters is Ken Pentel, the Green Party candidate for Minnesota governor, who will speak at noon. Pentel has lobbied at the state Capitol since 1989 for cleaning up toxins in drinking water and for clean, sustainable energy.
He has been a statewide organizer for the Green Party, from the 1996 Nader-LaDuke presidential campaign through its 2000 sequel.
There will be exhibits and informational displays set up in the central core near the cafeteria. Among those participating are Northland Arboretum, Brainerd Green Party, Minnesota Lakes Association, Renewable Energy Alliance, Brainerd Lakes Area Audubon Society, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Crow Wing Food Co-op, Community Supported Agriculture, Fine Line Hair Salon, Brainerd Coalition for Peace, and AW Research.
Presenters will touch on issues such as the effects of pesticides and herbicides in horticulture, sustainable farming, recycling, environmentally friendly building and home products, lead-free fishing tackle and environmentally friendly cosmetic products.
A volunteer campus clean-up will conclude the day.
For more information or to participate, contact Ceriello at Central Lakes College at 855-8191.