“Here comes the sun, nah nah nah naah, here comes the sun, and I say, it’s all right…” cue instrumental piece that will stick in your head for the next three days.
It was 1969 when George Harrison wrote this song for The Beatles, and at that time everything was all right.
Today however, the sun seems to be more of an impending, fated bringer of ailments such as skin cancer and premature wrinkles rather than a great touch that could brighten any day.
In 1970, a holiday was created to recognize the wonderful planet we live on: Earth Day. Gaylord Nelson, a United States senator, created and founded Earth Day.
It had been years in the making and thanks to the large number of supporters and activists, he was able to make his dream a reality.
“We only have one Earth, so we need to take care of her,” he says.
Over the years, Earth Day has continued to evolve from it’s original assembly.
Acts such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act sprouted from Earth Day because of the overwhelming interest that had not been previously gathered.
With Earth Day comes the “Go Green” push. Stores all over Winona and the world have made their organic and green products available to consumers.
Because there is a push on these kinds of products with Earth Day so near, and because producers know they can charge more for organic materials, the prices of these have become rather inflated.
“It is unfortunate [that prices are higher] because most college students do not have the resources to spend extra money on items that they need. I know many people that want to use organic materials, but it is just not an option for them pricewise. Hopefully, in the future it will become easier for more people to go green,” says Lynette Kronberger, former market chair for Earth Day 2006.
If the bookstore continues their push well after Earth Day the chance of these prices going down is possible.
The more recycled products within the store, the more chance that they will be purchased, which following the economic chain, would eventually lead to their price deflating.
Just one day will not be enough in the efforts to go green.
Although the bookstore has fallen victim to high prices, the university and community as a whole are still raising awareness on what they can do for the earth.
On April 18, activities will swarm the campus and city for “Spruce Up Winona Day.”
Throughout the day, speakers, educational booths, children’s activities and more will occur in Winona State’s courtyard and student union.
Speakers including Ryan Hung and Jason Edan will speak on topics such as the use of biodiesel and Solar Thermal Systems. Winona State’s biology department will have wild flower projects for children and adults alike.
The main theme for this year will be solar energy. Solar energy is chiefly energy derived from the sun in forms of heat and light.
Solar energy is responsible for 99.9 percent of the renewable energy sources currently being used.
It is primarily used to heat buildings, water and other products. With a little modification through photovoltaics, the sun’s energy can be used as electricity.
These are two incredibly large instances where energy would be needed, if it were not for the sun. Because of this, it is one of the most important things we can do to help the earth.
Venders for this year’s “SWU” day include, but are not limited to, Habitat for Humanity, Honda Motor Werks, Minnesota Land Trust, The Book Shelf and Kolter Bikes. Prizes, information and good clean green entertainment will be present.
Earth day is more than just a day to plant some trees and listen to a few speakers; it is a day to recognize the kinds of trouble that not only our community, but also our world, are quickly coming upon.
Winona still has a long way to go to pull its own weight in this conundrum.
“WSU should sponsor a Mississippi River cleanup once or twice each school year. With some effort from the student body we could clean up quite a bit in one day or a weekend,” says junior Richard Fons.
This is just one thing the community could do with interest from the residents. Other events, such as more communal cleanings of parks and outdoor areas would also help.

Questions or comments?
Contact Stephanie at
SVetter06@winona.edu