April 9, 2025

WCU Celebrates Earth Day with 3rd Annual Zero Waste SummitZero Waste Flyer


Free and Open to the Public on April 22, “It’s Not a Disposable Earth” Aims to Educate and Inspire

West Chester University (WCU) will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Earth Day with its 3rd Annual Zero Waste Summit.  Hoping to inspire more to reduce waste, “It’s Not a Disposable Earth” invites the public to participate in a number of “Green Light Specials” --- free informational tables featuring staggered “how-to” demonstrations about living a low- or zero-waste lifestyle, hands-on presentations, eclectic activities, and lots of prizes. Hosted by the WCU Office of Sustainability (OoS), the event will take place on Tuesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the ballroom of Sykes Student Union, located at 110 West Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. For more information on this and other sustainability initiatives, visit wcupa.edu/sustainability or email sustainability@wcupa.edu.

Zero Waste TableSummit Highlights – Interactive Tables and Activities:

Throughout the two-hour event, the following “Green Light Specials” will be featured :

  • Repair Café: Free lamp repair (parts available for purchase at an additional cost)
  • Electronics Recycling: Safe disposal of personal electronics, cords, laptops, phones, remote controls, and more
  • Career Closet: Find office-appropriate wardrobe items—for free
  • Mending Table: Bring clothing in need of simple repairs (buttons, hems, etc.) for free mending
  • This vs. That: Discover everyday product swaps that reduce waste
  • Library Table: Learn about the bike lending program, try paper making, receive free basic bike repairs, and attend a bike maintenance demoZero Waste Table
  • Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps: Tips on growing your own kitchen aromatics, using sustainable dishcloths, cooking with food scraps, and upcycling kitchen items
  • West Chester Green Team: Learn about efforts to remove plastic waste from the Borough of West Chester
  • DIY Table: Make or take recipes for perfumes, deodorants, detergents, and more
  • “Glitter is Litter” Pledge: Take a stand and make the pledge
  • What WCU Can Do – an interactive wall to actively engage with attendees on what WCU does well, how to improve, and what plans to ensure the future
  • Passport Prize Giveaway: Complete presentations at various tables to earn gifts and giveaways
  • More activities and surprises throughout the event (including a visit from RAMMY!)

Additionally, students from select University classes including Global Studies, Sustainability, Honors, and Sociology, will display research related to sustainability and waste reduction. Light refreshments will be served.

Chair of the Zero Wast Committee Gretchen Studlien-Webb says, “We are thrilled that this year’s summit aligns with Earth Day because waste awareness—and understanding how we contribute to it—is a crucial first step. Many people are curious and even willing to lead lower-waste lifestyles but don’t know where to start or need a little guidance on small but impactful changes. It’s about progress, not perfection.”

 

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