University of Connecticut Environmental Action Day
Friday, March 29, 2019
UConn Student Union – Storrs, CT
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Coventry Middle School
Ellington Middle School
Mansfeild Middle School
WORKSHOPS
Changing Climate: It’s About More Than Just Temperature
- Michael Dietz, Associate Extension Educator, UConn College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources
- We have all seen many headlines about record heat around the globe. Due to this increased energy, the hydrologic cycle has also been impacted, and much of the U.S. has seen an increase in extreme precipitation events. Green storm water infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable pavements and green roofs can be used to reduce impacts from storm water runoff. This workshop will include a brief tour of some of UConn’s green storm water features. (Sessions 1 & 2, Outdoor workshop; BUS 127)
Capture the Carbon!
- Julia Cartabiano, Farm Manager, UConn Spring Valley Student Farm; UConn Department of Dining Services
- Get your hands dirty in a variety of stations focused on environmental actions to offset carbon emissions. Earn “carbon credits” as you start your own compost pile!
(Session 1 & 2; SU 325)
Soil Erosion Control: A Hands-On Demo
- Shuresh Ghimire, Vegetable Extension Educator, UConn College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources
- Climate change sometimes means more extreme rainfall events. What are the effects of extreme rainfall on soil erosion? How do crops and crop residue help reduce soil erosion? How can we make our soil more resistant to erosion? This workshop will show different types of soils and effects of crops or residue on soil erosion. (Sessions 1 & 2; SU 330)
Your Impact on Climate Change
- Maggie Chafouleas & Lauren Pawlowski, UConn Environmental Science Students
- We hear about climate change in the news every day. But how well do we really know what climate change actually is? Explore what causes climate change, especially how humans contribute to the problem and what lifestyle changes we can all make to help ease it. Dive into the personal connections of climate change. (Sessions 1 & 2; BUS 215)
The Lifecycle of an iPhone
- Elaine Nguyen & FuRen Bemis, UConn Environmental Science Students
- Learn how a smartphone (specifically an iPhone) is produced, used, and disposed of. How do your actions as a consumer affect the environment? (Session 1; SU 221)
Problems With Plastic: Tap Water vs Bottled Water
- Adam Giroux, Outreach Co-Chair, UConn Take Back The Tap Club
- Explore how plastic affects the environment every day, especially through the use of disposable water bottles. We will look at the difference between tap and bottled water and ways that you can help reduce the problem at home. Learn the many ways that reusable materials are better than disposable products for the planet. (Session 2; SU 221)
Leave No Trace
- Zoe Smiarowski, UConn Natural Resources & The Environment Student
- Leave No Trace is all about being the best stewards of the environment we can be. Through a variety of group activities and discussion, you will learn about the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and understand why each one is so important. Explore ways you can apply LNT into your everyday life, and develop a sense of understanding of how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly! (Sessions 1 & 2; SU 318)