Outside the Marriott Library, vendors, local businesses and student groups joined ASUU’s Sustainability Board for their annual Earth Fest.
Crystal Davis, the board’s associate director, said the event was to help students be better Earth-conscious citizens. Departments such as commuter services encouraged students to carpool, and campus police gave out bike locks to promote bike riding. Local businesses promoted Earth-friendly initiatives such as beekeeping for local honey. Advocacy groups and volunteer organizations such as the Peace Corps., and the campus vegan group attended as well.
Natalia Southam, a sophomore in health promotion and education and member of the PETA group on campus, got involved with Earth Fest to show students the harmful effects of eating meat.
“Riding your bike to school is helpful, but it comes undone when you eat a cheeseburger,” Southam said.
In addition to free food and sustainable activities, a student band played live music, which Davis noted as the least sustainable portion of the event.
“They aren’t environmentally friendly, but entertainment is important in events like these because they gather people in an attempt to learn about the environment,” Davis said.
Southam said being passionate about the Earth is something all of those who participated share.
“Everyone needs to educate themselves and get angry about what is happening — then you become passionate,” Southam said. “Watch documentaries or come to events like Earth Fest and learn the facts.”
@JulianneSkrivan