Governor Dayton to speak at Earth Day event

By Jennie Olson - Sun Newspapers

Published: Monday, April 11, 2011 11:19 AM CDT

How many times have we heard the phrase “Reduce, reuse and recycle”?

How many times have we thrown our plastic Coke bottle in the trash without even looking to see if a recycling bin was available?

I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to not being as kind to the earth as I should be. For a while in college, I gave up recycling altogether because I figured it was a lost cause. But after reconnecting with some environmentally-conscious friends, I began to see what a difference it makes for both the earth and my conscience to simply recycle plastics, glass, metals and papers. They don't have to sit in a landfill when they can be turned into a new chair or kitchen table.

Students at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley are pros when it comes to taking care of the earth, and they are throwing a celebration on Friday, April 22, for Earth Day.

The student-run event is themed “Reducing Your Personal Ecological Footprint” and will take place 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school.

Governor Mark Dayton will be giving the keynote address first thing in the morning. Students and the public are invited to attend seminars on environmental topics, and students and alumni can participate in public service projects throughout Dakota County.

The School of Environmental Studies is located at 12155 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd. in Apple Valley. For more information about the school, visitdistrict196.org/ses.

http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2011/04/11/staff_blogs/hi_society/906_earthday.txt