UC Riverside’s Office of Sustainability is celebrating Earth Day’s golden anniversary. 

The virtual activities include a movie night, green labs educational webinars, and a TikTok challenge.

This year’s Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22. The first of the celebrations supporting environmental conservation took place on April 22, 1970.  While it has become an event acknowledged by more than 190 countries, the day is more important than ever at UCR.

“This year, the Earth Day theme is ‘Climate Action.’ As we stay at home and practice social distancing as advised by state and county guidelines, make healthy decisions for yourself and the planet, so we can thrive together,” said Francis Mukabale Mitalo, sustainability program coordinator with UCR’s Office of Sustainability.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of fewer vehicles on the road has resulted in bluer skies across the Inland Empire. 

The Office of Sustainability is offering ideas to support individual efforts. Mitalo encouraged the community to visit the Office of Sustainability website to participate in online Earth Week celebrations through April 24. People can join a webinar find ideas to safely ride their bike, or join a movie night.

Here is a snapshot of activities:  

Tie-dye

Learn from the pros in a step-by-step video that converts food scraps into eco-friendly dye. 

‘Green’ labs on campus

This question-and-answer webinar will address any questions regarding the Office of Sustainability’s lab certification process, glove recycling program, and other programs the office has set in place.

The webinar  will take place 4-5 p.m. on April 23. 

TikTok challenge

Maybe you prefer to be creative and submit TikTok videos touting your climate clout? Submit a sustainability-related TikTok video and the office’s communications team will pick the top three videos — and an eventual winner. Submit using the hashtag #climateclout and tag @UCR_Sustainability.