Blue Goes Green: Celebrate Earth Day with Seminar, Day on the Quad

Tuesday, April 21, the University Inn and Conference Center presents the Value Added Seminar “Going Green: What We Can Do Together” from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Rooms 205 and 207 of the Eccles Conference Center. Featured speakers are Nat Frazer, dean of the College of Natural Resources and chair of the USU Sustainability Council; Michael Dietz, assistant professor in the Department of Environment and Society; and Jordy Guth, staff planner in USU’s Facilities Department, master’s candidate in bioregional planning and outreach coordinator for the USU Sustainability Council. RSVP online for this free gathering at the Value Added Workplace Web site.

On Wednesday, April 22, put on your shorts and flip-flops and head to the USU Quad for the second annual “Going Green Extravaganza” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the USU Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, the free event features a competition for dropping off the most empty ink cartridges, opportunities to make reusable bags, a bike-tossing game, prizes, crafts and hands-on displays by campus and community groups offering sustainable living ideas, including recycling and alternative transportation.

“The gathering helps to increase awareness of ways to be more environmentally friendly,” says Heather Tarbet, an undergraduate member of the Chem/Biochem club. “The extravaganza is a fun way for people of all ages to learn about green living.”

Groups participating in the extravaganza include the USU Sustainability Council, Aggie Recyclers, USU Wellness Center, Aggie Blue Bikes, Utah Conservation Corps, Student Organic Farm, Seafood Watch, Utah Climate Center, the Logan City Energy Department and the College of Agriculture.

A student chapter of the American Chemical Society, USU’s Chem/Biochem Club was recognized at the society’s recent annual meeting in Salt Lake City as an Outstanding Chapter, one of just 41 student chapters nationwide receiving the honor. In its citation, the ACS lauded the USU chapter’s coordination of the inaugural Going Green Extravaganza in 2008, citing the event as “an awesome achievement in community outreach.”

USU was among the first 100 charter signatories of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and the first higher ed campus in Utah to take up the challenge. The commitment requires each university to take a stand against global warming by pledging to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.

For more information about the April 22 Going Green Extravaganza, contact Chem/Biochem Club president Christina Hansen at 435-890-0702 or c.m.hansen@aggiemail.usu.edu.

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