In order to get environmental sustainability into the hearts and minds of the campus community, EcoLogic, the environmental student organization at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, plans to host its annual EarthFest event on from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, on the Rensselaer Union patio. The rain date is April 25.

The event is free and open to the public. This year, EarthFest will feature information and displays from several student organizations and local environmental groups, food, and more, along with live musical performances. Signature EarthFest offerings include vegan smoothies, recycled make-your-own notebooks, tie-dying, paint-a-pot, pot-a-plant, and a recycled crafts table. 

“The annual EarthFest activities have always been a big hit,” said Elizabeth Anderson, a senior majoring in sustainability studies, who serves as president of EcoLogic, and co-chair of the Student Sustainability Task Force. Anderson also plans to pursue her master’s in ecological economics, values, and policy at Rensselaer. “The event generally involves the environmental clubs and some community groups that support environmentalism, but this year we wanted to expand our event to include any club or organization that is interested in sustainability.

Additional Rensselaer student organizations and campus groups participating in EarthFest include Terra Cafe, Student Sustainability Task Force Earth, Energy, and Environment —The Vasudha Living & Learning Community, International Anti-Slavery Campaign, Formula Hybrid, Society of Women Engineers, Rensselaer Christian Association, Engineers Without Borders, Circle K, the Wellness Institute, Hey Red Go Green!, the Department of Science and Technology Studies, the Society of Environmental Professionals, Habitat for Humanity, and Green Greeks. Troy Composting and Troy Bike Rescue will also have tables at the event.

In addition to Anderson, members of EcoLogic who worked to coordinate EarthFest include Marissa Halperin ’14, vice president; Jesse Noviello ’15, treasurer; and Diana Ahrens ’16, secretary. Anderson noted that some organizations plan to raise funds for to support upcoming initiatives. Vasudha will be doing a fundraiser for Heifer International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that is dedicated to ending hunger and poverty and caring for the Earth; and Engineers without Borders will be working to raise funds to support their community-driven development programs.

EarthFest joins a series of programs and events planned for the week of April 20 in celebration of Earth Week.