Celebrating Earth Day

The celebration of Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 by people around the world. It is a day for us to clean up our communities, preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods, and invest in our future. At the RCCD colleges in Moreno Valley, Norco and Riverside, it is important for us to take an active leadership role in our communities to respond to the environmental challenges facing Mother Earth. 

We recognize our stewardship and responsibility to economically manage the facilities, land and natural resources pertaining to the District. Currently, there are a number of planning efforts underway to create a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan for the District and its colleges that embraces the principles of environmental stewardship, social equity and fiscal responsibility. Committees are engaged at each of the colleges to identify environmental values and benchmarks, establish goals and priorities, and provide guidelines that will influence future facility design and operation; campus management; and teaching and learning programs. 

Over the last decade, the district has done a lot to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and continues to do so. Presently, we are in the process of investing in a districtwide Solar Masterplan designed to bring online renewable energy production to the colleges. As our plans and operations gain momentum, we will keep you informed about the District's progress.  

On Earth Day, and every day, we can all practice principles of ecology and reduce our impact on this planet. We can recycle, reduce our carbon footprint, conserve energy, decrease water consumption, minimize waste, and plant a tree (Arbor Day is April 29). I encourage all of our students, faculty, and classified professionals to engage in these efforts. ​

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