UNA to Host Earth Day Program April 28

Apr. 5, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – The student chapter of the American Chemical Society at the University of North Alabama will host a “Chemists Rock” Earth Day program April 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to promote land conservation and recycling.

Local sponsors Florence Recycling Center, Alabama Outdoors, Wild South, Shoals Environmental Alliance, Snow Masters and Habitat for Humanity will set up information tables around the Memorial Amphitheater, where they will give students, faculty and staff information about going green and being more environmentally friendly.

Dr. Amanda Hofacker, assistant professor of chemistry and industrial hygiene and faculty adviser of SAACS, said the group is also looking to bring in corporate sponsors to help fund the event. The Earth Day celebration will feature live music, activities and free food in exchange for a recyclable item.

“I think celebrating Earth Day is about taking a break and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding campus and area,” Hofacker said. “It’s about getting together to discuss how we can preserve our community by educating each other on how to better preserve our environment and natural resources to make sure we always have this gorgeous campus and beautiful water around us.”

Last year’s Earth Day event attracted about 400 attendees, but Hofacker and the SAACS group hope to bring more students into this year’s celebration by directing more of the activities and music to young people. Hofacker hopes to encourage UNA student organizations to take a more active role in recycling on campus.

Attendees who take part in the Earth Day celebration will be asked to bring any recyclable item in exchange for food and other amenities at the event. All recycled items that are collected will be taken by Florence Recycling Center. Students will also get the opportunity to purchase tye-dye T-shirts at the event.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, and students will learn more about how to keep the Shoals clean, how to conserve energy and how to recycle,” said Stephen Smith, vice president of SAACS.

For more information, contact the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Science at 256-765-4344.