Events

The campus community will "party for the planet" on September 27, 2011 when the Diag transforms into a platform for sustainability with information, activities and entertainment at EarthFest 2011. 

Prior to the event, President Mary Sue Coleman will make a major announcement in the area of sustainability. 

EarthFest, which begins at noon, will focus on sustainability at U-M in four major areas: climate action, waste prevention, healthy environments and community awareness. Each area will include a combination of informed representatives available to answer questions, student organization booths and attractions, along with campus organizations such as alternative transportation. Other features include chef demonstrations, musical entertainment by Joe Reilly and a waste sort of trash and recycling from the Diag. 

“EarthFest was designed to bring together the student groups that work on sustainability initiatives with other operational units to engage the campus community and share information and ideas on U-M sustainability,” said Terry Alexander, executive director of the Office of the Campus Sustainability. “We want to make the campus more aware of all the resources available to help meet sustainability goals, and allow them to participate as we move forward in making this initiative a top priority for U-M.” 

EarthFest highlights include:

• Bike Repair: Common Cycle mechanics will provide tips on bike maintenance.
• Sustainable Computing will be onsite to assist in adjusting laptop power settings to extend battery life.
• Free, local snacks such as apples and doughnuts.
• An opportunity to record a short, personal, video pledge on campus sustainability.
• A chance to meet the U-M student who generated only 7.5 pounds of trash in one year. (The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash per day).
• Student-led information booths on green activities and initiatives.

EarthFest runs until 4 p.m. on the central campus Diag and organizers are striving for it to be a zero-waste event. The event is student led and organized with the assistance of the Office of Campus Sustainability. This marks the 16^th year the event has been held on campus. It previously was known as EnergyFest.