Eastern celebrates Earth Day with annual market

Eastern welcomed hundreds of students and community members to the Student Center on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Featuring 34 vendors and exhibitors, Eastern’s annual Earth Day Market brought together local businesses and student organizations in a shared celebration of sustainability.

"This year's Earth Day was our largest in about ten years," wrote Steve Nathan, environmental earth science professor and Earth Day Market coordinator. "The enthusiasm of new and returning community partners signals an opportunity for continued collaboration around climate resilience and sustainability in Willimantic and across the region."

The marketplace featured locally sourced goods such as honey, hot sauce, maple syrup and house plants. and featured informational tables, demonstrations, and a live jazz performance.  “Earth Day is a day for everyone to celebrate the environment, sustainability, and environmental stewardship,” added Nathan. 

A unique initiative by art and art history Professor Soojin Kim and University Assistant Mabel Saccomanno was a silk-screen printing activity that decorated reused t-shirts donated to Thrift Warriors, Eastern’s on-campus thrift store. 

Several groups tabled at the event promoting sustainable resources and programs. CTrides spread the word about ridesharing and public transit; Windham’s Chamber of Commerce promoted energy conservation efforts in town; the Last Green Valley promoted the natural and cultural heritage of eastern Connecticut; the Willimantic Food Co-op explained the benefits of buying locally sourced produce; Third Act promoted voter registration so students can voice their concerns at the polls; Silk City Coffee, Willimantic's newest coffee shop, presented on the global coffee industry; and more. 

Other vendors included Dragon's Blood Elixir, Wilkinson Farm, Sweet Heal, Willimantic Food Co-op, The Last Green Valley, Garden Club of Windham, Grow Windham, EcoAmbassadors, Humming Grove Farm, Third Act Initiative, Mycology Club, Blue Iris Farm, CTrides, Garden Club, The Farmer's Cow Calfe, Chartwells & Bevi, Composting Demos, Biology Club, Craft Club, T-shirts with a Purpose, Women's Weightlifting Club, Thrift Warriors, Eastern Passport, Office of Career Services, Reprint. Rewear. Rethink. Silk Screening, Office of Wellness Education Outreach and Veteran Care, Natchaug Watershed Advisory Board, and Windham Chamber of Commerce.