Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Karen Petersen rides an electric scooter as part of Earth Day activities. Petersen, who was one of many test riders, said, "I think they are fun." David Bitton / Daily Staff [Click to enlarge]

Somiya Rahman talks with volunteers from the Help Our Planet Earth student organization while making a bracelet. David Bitton / Daily Staff [Click to enlarge]

Rahman makes a bracelet during Earth Day activities. David Bitton / Daily Staff [Click to enlarge]

So on Wednesday, that celebration, otherwise known as Earth Day, was an opportunity for students to become familiar with the ways in which they can contribute to helping the environment and mother earth.

The event, held on Ninth Street and the Paseo de Cesar Chavez, offered students a variety of information from environmental groups that focused on a range of issues including conservation, recycling, organic food and clean energy.

This year's theme was "Habitat Conservation," according to senior Brianna Merrick, assistant director of San Jose State's Environmental Resource Center.

Senior Muhammad Qureshi and his sister Rabia Qureshi, a junior, helped to organize the event.

"Students learn about these issues and then they can apply it in their lives," he said.

Senior Greg Thomas was strolling through the Paseo de Cesar Chavez right after he visited the San Jose Park Ranger information booth.

"I'm just seeing what information they have," he said.

Thomas said he already knew a lot of the information the booths were offering, since he considers himself an environmentalist.

"I'd go to the Green Party booth, but they would probably just give me information that I already have," he said.

Junior Somiya Rahman didn't know it was Earth Day at SJSU until she was walking through Ninth Street, where she stopped to take part in the hemp bracelet-making activity.

"If it helps the environment, then why not?" she said about Earth Day.

Meanwhile, on the Paseo de Cesar Chavez, graduate student Brian Williams sat under the hot afternoon sun at the SJSU Natural History Club's booth.

"We're trying to create more awareness about the natural history of our campus and Santa Clara County," he said. "This is a great opportunity to get the word out."

As secretary of the club, Williams was giving students information about native and non-native plants.

"We're having (a) plant sale on May 7 to raise money to keep the club going and to send one inner-city kid to a science camp this summer."

Williams said the Natural History Club just started last semester and it is a combination of the environmental studies and biology departments.

Chris Deidrick, an Integrated Waste Management Specialist, was the host of the information booth for the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

According to Deidrick, the principle message that he was trying to inform students about is to do the best they can to keep things from going to the landfill.

"San Jose has a pretty good recycling and composting program," he said. "It is one of the best in the state."

Deidrick was offering free pencils made recycled from dollar bills, and other recycled from lunch trays.

"About 50 percent of the students who stop by want information about composting," he said.

Other information booths included the Green Party of Santa Clara County, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Sierra Club and Bike to Work Day.

Rob Means, owner of Zap Electric Bikes and Scooters, was promoting his methods of transportation.

"I got into this when my car broke down and my wife said, 'Let's try to become a one-car family,' " he said.

Means said that the electric bikes and scooters are much more energy efficient than cars, but the scooters sell better.

The electric bikes accelerate to 15 miles per hour without pedaling, he said.

"One of the reasons I ride it is because I have my own lane when I'm on my bike," Means said. "Also, there are shortcuts and places where you can't go in a car."

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