ESSA puts on Earth Day celebration at UMKC

Earth Day began with cloudy skies and rain in the forecast last Tuesday, April 22. Mother Nature cooperated, though, and by mid-afternoon, a UMKC Earth Day celebration rocked the UMKC playhouse.

Students from all over campus had the opportunity to eat earth-friendly food, learn tips about energy conservation, receive seeds to start a garden, ride an oversized tricycle and listen to live music.

The Environmental Study Student Association (ESSA) sponsored the event. Brent Southwell, president of ESSA, said the organization is active in the community and recently planted a native garden at 52nd Street and Troost Avenue. Southwell said he was glad to see a good turnout for the event.

"Putting together this event was comparable to the work-load of a four-to-five credit hour course," he said.

Southwell said ESSA organized the event to promote forums of discussion in hopes of realistic change concerning environmental preservation practices.

One self-identified environmentally concerned student, Dimitri Gamez, junior, pre-pharmacy, posed the idea of nuclear energy being a cleaner, more viable source of power as opposed to non-renewable fossil fuels.

"Have an open mind; embrace the idea of nuclear power for positive uses instead of making bombs," Gamez said. "We can change the world using nuclear power instead of carbon resources, because nuclear waste is more containable than the results of burning fossil fuels."

Travis Carson, secretary of ESSA, put forth his idea of renewable energy sources that don't produce deadly waste. Carson said he prefers the use of non-waste producing solar- and wind-powered energy.

"Take a step back and realize what kind of an impact you are having on the environment," he said.

Once the technology is more affordable for residential use, Carson believes solar power is the future.

Brandon Hearn, vice president of ESSA, said the two biggest environmental issues concerning UMKC are uniform recycling and alternative transportation.

"We need to make recycling available to everyone and have better accessibility to alternative forms of transportation, such as bicycles," Hearn said.

Free tricycle rides were given by Amy Ameis senior, geology, to represent the idea of, when feasible, riding bikes instead of driving.

"I celebrate Earth Day by being outside and doing earth-friendly activities, while showing people how much fun it is to save the earth," Ameis said.

While eating and posing practical theories, students had the chance to listen to the musical talents of Kaye Johnston and Keith Whitlow. Performing separately, they sang original works and gave the event a festive atmosphere.

csedler@unews.com