Over the last year, we’ve been continually reminded that our planet and nature are worth protecting. Whether you lived through a wildfire or heat wave or just longed for more green space in your neighborhood, every day, we can feel the effects that our environment has on our lives and the planet.
Next Friday marks the 52nd Earth Day, and to honor the occasion, PIRG students from around the country came together to launch Youth Earth Week 2022, using the week to organize for more renewable energy, fight for bans on plastic pollution, win conservation of our country’s wild places, and grow the ranks of young people standing up for our planet’s future.
After the week is over, we’ll be picking the most creative, educational, and engaging events to receive awards from our partners. Partners in this effort include Break Free From Plastic, Environment America, Plastic Pollution Coalition, The Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, and Surfrider Foundation.
I wanted to take a minute to invite you to participate in a few of our events over the next week that will feature great guest speakers and give you an opportunity to see our student leaders in action around the country. Even if you can only stay for a short time, we’d love to have you!
Careers in the Environment Panel
What: Every year, the Student PIRGs help college students pursue careers in environmental activism. If you know or work with young people, please share (and feel free to join) this webinar to learn about opportunities for young people to start a career in environmental activism!
When: Monday, April 18 at 6pm ET/3pm PT
Where: Online, RSVP for the link to join
Trash Talk: Students Breaking Free from Plastics
What: With student leaders from across the country, we’ll discuss how to organize our peers to reduce plastic pollution on campus and beyond.
When: Tuesday, April 19 at 6pm ET/3pm PT
Where: Online, RSVP for the link to join
Every day, I continue to be inspired by the students who continue leading and pushing the environmental movement forward, asking our leaders to stand up for the Earth. So far, students and our partners have organized more than 100 events all taking place over the next week to engage their peers in efforts to protect our planet.
In addition to joining events next week, we’d love for you to spread the word about Youth Earth Week with your own networks and organization. Anyone is free to register an Earth Week event on the website, and to become a Youth Earth Week partner. We’re offering Leadership Awards for excellent events hosted by organizations led by young people during the week, including a $500 grand prize!
I hope you’ll be able to join us next week and spread the word about Youth Earth Week. If you have any questions or want to know more about the Student PIRGs’ environmental work, don’t hesitate to contact me: [email protected].
Sincerely,
Dan Xie
Political Director
Student PIRGs