Wheeling Observes Earth Day

From Staff Reports


WHEELING — On April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is observed annually around the globe.

Through the combined efforts of the federal government, grassroots organizations and citizens everywhere, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a worldwide campaign to “go green.”î

At the same time, the city of Wheeling has been transforming from an industrial and manufacturing base to a mostly service, amusement and professional culture. As it continues along this path, it’s only natural to factor in the environment, experts believe. Citizens seeking a quality lifestyle want a community that reflects respect for the Earth and a healthy culture.

In recognition of Earth Day, here are some of the activities planned to mark the event:

? Oglebay Institute’s Schrader Environmental Education Center will lead the way with a day of fun for the public starting today. The events will mark Earth Day in a family focused manner, with outdoor trail walks, lectures and more.

A history lecture on naturalist A.B. Brooks takes place at 1 p.m. today at the Mansion Museum, for those who’d like to learn more about this influential leader. Brooks was the Mountain State’s first forester and naturalist as well as OglebayInstitute’s first staff naturalist, leading more than 50,000 along its trails and inspiring future generations of environmentalists.

Informational booths and activities take place from 9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. April 26 at the Schrader Center and feature hands-on displays from US Environmental Protection Agency, West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Ohio County Solid Waste Authority, Center for Coalfield Justice and local sustainable craft and food vendors.

The Schrader Center also will host a lecture on corn-based ethanol on Thursday and Green Building Materials on April 27.The Schrader Center will take the show on the road as it presents EarthWeek school programs throughout the county, Monday through Friday.

? Laughlin Chapel will host a compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) give-away planned for Tuesday at the Laughlin Chapel where 50 of these new bulbs will be distributed for free to clients of the Chapel. These bulbs are environmentally friendly and more energy efficient than regular fluorescent light bulbs.

? Other community events include Wheeling’s participation in the Great American Clean-up, which takes place across the nation every spring. Activities are scheduled with a cleanup April 26 on Wheeling Island. Many volunteers are still needed. Call 304-234-6432 for more information.

? Wheeling Jesuit University sophomore honor students will participate in the April 26 Clean-Up Day by cleaning up the stream that flows through the Cardinal campus. The city of Wheeling encourages clean communities throughout the year with its curbside recycling system that gathers clear glass, cans and newsprint for reuse.

Along with community events, several organizations are highlighting their efforts to “go green.” Some of those efforts include:

? The city of Wheeling’s vehicle maintenance department recently purchased a new clean-burn furnace that uses recycled fuel to heat the operations facility, located in the Clator neighborhood of Wheeling. This means that they can reuse their used transmission fluid, motor oil and even gasoline.

? Wheeling Jesuit University supports many campus efforts at respecting the environment. For example, the Follett Book store Campus shop has green books instead of the traditional blue books for student tests, made from environmentally recycled paper. Other products such as recycled notebooks and school supplies are on hand for the environmentally savvy student.

Even the cafeteria gets involved with sustainable lifestyles since Parkhurst Dining Services recycles its spent fryer oil and sends it to a Pittsburgh-based facility capable of producing bio-diesel fuel for use in vehicles. This is one of several sustainable sourcing programs that Parkhurst developed to protect the environment and expand its role as a socially responsible organization.

According to Nick Camody, Parkhurst chief operating officer, the rising price of fuel, environmental concerns and ominous signs of global warming has many companies looking for alternatives to petroleum. In fact, Parkhurst as a subsidiary of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, is a regional leader of green initiatives. Its program is called EcoStep and there are many examples of green action that the dining service embraces daily:

? All fry oil is made into bio-diesel

? Napkins are made from recycled paper

? Clear cups are made from corn and are naturally biodegradable.

Parkhurst also strives to reduce the university’s carbon footprint by partnering with suppliers in support of local business. Purchasing products locally, and initiating relationships with growers, dairies and bakeries in the local community, strategically reduces Parkhurst’s footprint on the local environment, according to John Shaffer, general manager of Wheeling Jesuit’s dining service.

Students on the Wheeling Jesuit campus have been involved all year with reducing the university’s impact on the environment through the Energy Solutions Center. This center involves students and staff in searching for ways to conserve energy and promote recycling on the Cardinal campus. Begun last fall, under the coordination of National Technology Transfer Center researcher Mary Ellen Cassidy, the center will eventually operate as a community consultant to provide information on reducing energy usage.

The Cardinal campus will formally mark Earth Day on Tuesday with a tree planting ceremony. Students, faculty and staff will take part in the green ceremony of hope as they plant a tree, donated by Nicky’s Garden Center of Wheeling.

For more information on Earth Day 2008, call the Schrader Center at 304-242-6855.