Earth Day celebration an energetic success

Hundreds of people bought energy-efficient bulbs, ate solar-powered popcorn, learned about energy-saving cars and houses, and signed an individual pledge to do more to protect the environment, all during the UMass Medical School Earth Day celebration on Tuesday, April 24. More than 300 people signed the “Doing My Part” pledge during the event, vowing to recycle more and turn off their office lights and computers at the end of the day. A tree was also planted outside of the Lazare Research Building by the Worcester Tree Initiative, with help from Chancellor Michael F. Collins.

Another successful home electronics recycling effort collected tons of unwanted, hard-to-dispose-of items, filling an 18-foot truck. Northeast Material Handling, a Lowell-based company that specializes in processing large, unwanted items, provided the drop-off trucks free of charge for employees.

More than 40 vendors participated, providing information about environmentally sustainable practices for both work and home, and offering locally grown foods to taste and buy. Several hybrid cars were on display, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contributed a special exhibit called “Change the World” to promote the use of Energy Star-rated appliances in homes.

See coverage on NECN: Earth Day opportunity for everyone to 'do their part'