U.S. Consulate General celebrates Earth Day
The U.S Consulate general celebrated Earth Day, April 22, 2011 with a series of activities to promote environmental protection and awareness of environmental issues. Earth day is an international, annually held holiday to celebrate the earth and focus on environmental issues. You can find out more about what the United States and Indonesia are working together on in environmental issues through the USAID website (http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/)
U.S. Consulate General Facebook fans participated in discussion on how to best protect the environment in Indonesia and what steps need to be taken. A contest was held for the best plan of action with winners winning prizes of environmental themed and decorated materials.
The Consulate staff gathered materials from around the consulate to recycle. Reducing trash is a key way to help the environment. Since 2008 the Consulate has worked with Yayasan Alit on a recycling program. The trash is recycled, remade into new products, and resold, the revenue of which is used to support street children.
The U.S. Consul General Kristen F. Bauer helped plant trees with students of SMP Raudlatul Jannah Sidoarjo and spoke about the environment and education.
Peace Corps volunteer, Lauren Ebersole, at SMAN Mojoagung Jl. Janti No. 18 Mojoagung, Jombang worked with her school on a two day program to promote education about environmental issues. U.S Consul General Kristen F. Bauer and teachers led and judged student essay contest about how to protect the environment and spoke about what individuals can do at a community level to protect the environment.