By The Southwest Terrace became a sea of green as students created their own succulent pots, flower crowns and containers of compost at the Eco Crafts Fair.
Cal State Long Beach hosted the fair in celebration of Earth Week, and the event promoted students transitioning into more green-friendly habits. Booths were set up with activities ranging from trivia questions, cornhole and flower planting. Many students were spreading information about things that hurt the planet, from threats to the ozone layer all the way to issues going on in Long Beach.
“We are one of the most sustainable campuses in the entire CSU system and we just want to spread awareness about things that are going on in our own backyard,” said Melissa Sanchez, a junior studying graphic design. “I believe if more people know about these issues, the higher the chances are of making progress.”
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- Students were invited to participate in a multitude of eco-friendly arts and crafts activities such as making totes and potting their very own succulents.
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- Brandon Amaya, a sophomore majoring in Health Science, directed visitors toward games attached to the Breathe campaign booth at this year’s Eco Crafts Fair.
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- One of the most popular stations at the fair was the succulent planting booth where students were invited to choose a succulent, plant it in a jar and spray it with water.
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- Blanca Diaz, who works for the City of Long Beach Sustainability Department, was at the fair to teach students how to hand-craft wreaths from willow branches and flowers.
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- Blanca Diaz, left, and Kelsey Foster, right, are both from the City of Long Beach Sustainability Department, and asked a student to present her wreath for a picture of the finished product.
Most students tried to acquire one of the earth-friendly backpacks made with recycled materials that read “Earth Week 2018.” The backpacks were free for students who went through all of the booths. Students happily left the event while stuffing their packs of soil and flower seeds into their new bags.
“I love Earth Week and this is something that I think a lot of students should just come and check out, know exactly what is going on with their planet,” fourth year political science major Maddy Braverman said. “I think that once someone does research on these things, they would easily be compelled to make changes in their lives.”
