Digital Earth Fair
Earth Fair is an NC State tradition, featuring more than 75 sustainability-related organizations in an annual outdoor expo. During COVID-19, Earth Fair is digital.
The organizations below registered to participate in the 2020 or 2021 Earth Fair. Feel free to reach out and engage with them (note: their inclusion on this page is not an endorsement).
2021
The Business Sustainability Collaborative is an academic initiative at NC State that brings together students, leading faculty and the business community to redefine how business success is measured. We develop leaders who can apply research, technology, and critical thinking to drive and measure sustainable business practices. We connect students and faculty with real-world companies to put sustainable practices into action. We work with faculty to integrate environmental, social, and financial responsibility across the curriculum of the Poole College of Management. To us, “Business sustainability” is more than a buzzword, it’s an ethic to be embodied and a long-term strategy to drive innovation and competitive advantage. Sustainable businesses create value not just for their shareholders, but for their communities.
Website: https://bsc.poole.ncsu.edu/
Contact: Jessica Yinka Thomas, jothomas@ncsu.edu
Waste Reduction & Recycling (WRR) offers comprehensive waste management & zero waste educational services at NC State University. By providing these services in-house, WRR is able to provide data-driven impactful procedures, strategies, and programs to achieve our waste diversion goal of 70% by 2022.
Website: Visit recycling.ncsu.edu for more information and Connect With us @NCStateRecycles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Contact: recycling@ncsu.edu / 919-515-9421
The WolfTrails Program promotes alternative transportation involving biking, walking, transit or anything else to reduce single occupancy vehicles on campus.
Website: transportation.ncsu.edu
Contact: Sarah Williams, sawilli6@ncsu.edu
The NC State Office of Information Technology provides campus-wide computing, information and communication technology (ICT) services in support of the university’s academic and administrative goals. We recognize the significant impact ICT services can have on the university’s carbon pawprint and encourage campus IT users to conserve electricity, manage electronic devices, reduce paper usage, and recycle electronics, whenever possible.
The Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center is part of a network of eight Climate Adaptation Science Centers managed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center. We work with natural and cultural resource managers to gather the scientific information and build the tools needed to help fish, wildlife, and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of changing climate and land use
Website: https://secasc.ncsu.edu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/se_casc
Contact: Ashlyn Shore, arshore@ncsu.edu
This high school club promotes sustainability efforts within the school and have adopted a 1-mile section of Rocky Branch Trail along Western Blvd. Trail clean-ups are conducted at least once per quarter.
Website: https://www.wcpss.net/stemec
Contact: William Burgess, Science teacher, wburgess@wcpss.net
Binky and Bell uses proceeds from their cartoon dog art to help homeless pets.
Website: https://binkyandbell.com/shop/ Instagram: @BinkyandBell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BinkyandBell Twitter: @Apexgardner
Contact: Rick Gardner, Apexgardner@gmail.com
Leith Nissan proudly offers the 100% electric Nissan Leaf.
Website: www.leithnissan.com
Contact: Derek Parker, derek.parker@leithcars.com
The vendors listed below were part of the 2020 Digital Earth Fair. All vendors have been organized by topic.
General Sustainability
The Business Sustainability Collaborative is an academic initiative in the Poole College of Management at NC State that brings together students, leading faculty and the business community to redefine how business success is measured. We prepare students to use business as a force for good. Our world-class teaching and research reveal how social, environmental and financial performance, taken together, offer deeper insight into the good that businesses do. And we connect students and faculty with real-world companies to put sustainable practices into action. Through our teaching, research and experiential learning programs, we demonstrate that business sustainability is a long-term strategy to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
Website: https://bsc.poole.ncsu.edu/
Contact: Jessica Yinka Thomas, jothomas@ncsu.edu
Wake STEM ECHS Green Club is a high school student club. We promote sustainability efforts at home and school. Our club has adopted Rocky Branch Trail mile 2-3 and conduct trail clean-ups at least once per quarter.
Website: www.wcpss.net/stemec
Contact: Bill Burgess, Science Teacher, wburgess@wcpss.net
The NC State University Libraries is the gateway to knowledge for the university community and partners. We define the leading edge of information services and collections to support the university’s mission and to further knowledge in the world. Check out our sustainability initiatives.
Website: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/guides/sustainability
Contact: library_askus@ncsu.edu
Triangle Land Conservancy is focused on protecting habitats, clean water, connecting people to nature, and supporting local farms and foods.
Website: triangleland.org
The NC State University Sustainability Office was established in April 2008 to serve as a centralized resource of sustainability information and action for students, faculty and staff.
Website: https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/about/university-sustainability-office/
Supported by the University Sustainability Office, NC State Stewards are sustainability student leaders, moving NC State to a brighter, stronger and more sustainable future. NC State Stewards promote sustainable practices among their peers and the NC State community through workshops, presentations and campus events
Website: https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/get-involved/nc-state-stewards/
From housing to packaging, manufactured materials are integral to our everyday lives. However, many of these materials are derived from depletable sources, such as petroleum, and fabricated in ways that could cause harm to humans and the environment. Students in Sustainable Materials and Technology learn how to create and manipulate materials derived from renewable natural resources, most often plant based.
Website: https://cnr.ncsu.edu/fb/undergraduate/degree-programs/sustainable-materials-and-technology/
Founded in 2009, The GREEN Program (TGP) is an award-winning, experiential education program focused on our world’s most pressing issues in sustainable development.
Our innovative model for experiential education is driven by a desire to provide purposeful, real-world experience through impactful education, travel, and adventure. We envision a sustainable future driven by global citizens who catalyze change & propel communities and organizations towards progressive sustainability goals and climate resilience.
Website: https://thegreenprogram.com
Kathryn Stevenson and the talented team associated with her lab work to identify drivers of environmental literacy among K-12 students. We uncover and examine the myriad of benefits of time in nature and environmental education for children, and we also highlight how children might be agents of change in the context of environmental challenges.
Website: go.ncsu.edu/stevenson
The EcoVillage Living and Learning Village at NC State is a first-year and transfer student program that welcomes students from all majors, creating both a multidisciplinary and an interdisciplinary educational experience that prepares students for lifelong sustainability Leadership, Education of others, Application of sustainability principles, and Discovery of their personal and professional connections to sustainability. Both within and beyond the classroom, members of the EcoVillage engage with their peers, faculty, staff, and citizens of the Raleigh community to explore local, regional, and global approaches to sustainability and actively participate in complex issues facing the environmental, social, and economic challenges of society. Village members are offered the opportunity to return to EcoVillage during their second year for our 2nd Year Program or as an employed Village Mentor.
Website: https://villages.dasa.ncsu.edu/village-options/ecovillage/
The Student Affiliate Chapter at NC State is a means by which students can become involved in this national organization. Activities include tours of nearby research facilities at the Research Triangle Park, trips to national and regional conferences, a student/faculty mixer, and presentations by guest speakers covering a variety of possible fields of study and careers in chemistry or chemistry-related occupations. Other group activities include picnics, outings and community service projects.
Website: https://chemistry.sciences.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/student-groups/
NC State Athletics is increasing its sustainability, including new solar panels at Carter-Finley Stadium, LED lighting upgrades and zero-waste efforts at athletic events.
Website: gopack.com
NC State OIT has green tips for campus IT.
Website: https://oit.ncsu.edu/campus-it/green-it/10-top-tips-for-green-it/
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) selects students from the department to serve as Leadership Board members each year. The Leadership Board creates a welcoming environment for existing students by creating events and programs to enhance and support our current students experience and provide support within FER and College of Natural Resources. All board members demonstrate great leadership and communications skills, NC State pride and academic achievement across a diversity of majors.
Website: https://cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/undergraduate/fer-leadership-board/
The Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home improvement stores that sell new and used furniture, building materials, appliances and household goods at discounted prices. The ReStores are part of Habitat for Humanity of Durham,Johnston,Orange and Wake County, and proceeds support Habitat’s mission to build safe, affordable homes in partnership with hardworking families. The ReStores also seek to be good stewards of the environment by diverting more than 5,000 tons of usable items from landfills annually.
Website: https://www.wakerestore.org/
We are focused on raising awareness of the importance of national, state and local public lands and advocating for their conservation through volunteering, discussion, and recreation.
Website: https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/nationalparksclub
A club focused upon sustainable textile products and processes, the ethical treatment of textile workers, and textile related service projects.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCSUGGTG/
Products offered are grown locally in NC by farmers who have served our country and are now serving you, the customer.
Zero Waste
We throw away vast amounts of stuff. Even things with almost nothing wrong, and which could get a new lease on life after a simple repair. Lots of people don’t consider doing a repair themselves. Knowing how to make repairs is a skill that everyone can learn.
Repair Café is changing all that! We are bringing together people to share skills and solve problems. Valuable practical knowledge is getting passed on. Things are being used for longer and don’t have to be thrown away.
Website: repaircafenc.org
Zero Waste Wolves works with campus partners on projects that help reduce the overall waste generated at NC State, along with hosts a variety of workshops on how students and staff can reduce their wast both on campus, and in their own lives. We have previously worked with DH Hill library to remove over 300 desk-seized landfill bins from the book stacks and expanded their recycling services. Most recently we have been known for the paper towel composting program we started in residence halls that has expanded from an original pilot program in Bragaw and Metcalf Halls, to now being offered in over eight residence halls (including hall style). Lastly, last semester we worked with Carmichael Gym to install paper towel composting in gym bathrooms, along with starting a tennis ball recycling program.
Instagram: @zerowastewolvesncsu
Reborn Clothing Co. started with a simple idea: Give consumers an upcycling option for their closet. Today, Reborn is the solution to the vast amounts of textile waste created by brands and universities. Reborn gives its partners the opportunity to keep textile waste out of the landfill by designing accessories, totes, apparel, linens, and even pet products made from materials that already exist. With Reborn, the average tee can become a sleek laptop sleeve, a branded sweatshirt can be repurposed as a duffel bag, and banners can be transformed into tailgate-ready coolers that tell a story of sustainability.
Website: https://rebornclothing.co/
Instagram: @rebornclothing.co
Contact: Dianna Hughes, Director of Public Relations & Social Media, dhughes@rebornclothing.co
The Compost Facility creates a closed-loop organic waste management system for the university. Organic waste collected from across campus is turned into a high-quality compost product, which is then utilized in the landscape and at the Agroecology Farm. We offer internship opportunities for students, and resources to support research initiatives. Tours of the facility are also available. Please reach out to us to learn more or get involved.
Website: https://recycling.ncsu.edu/compost-facility/
Contact: Adam Bensley, ajbensle@ncsu.edu
Green Zone Recycling diverts textiles from the landfill by providing convenient drop off locations for people to responsibility dispose of no longer wanted clothes and shoes.
Website: WWW.GZRUSA.COM
Contact: Kristin Schillings, Kristin@GZRUSA.com
Green Zone Recycling diverts textiles from the landfill by providing convenient drop off locations for people to resCRA is a non-profit dedicated to advancing Waste Reduction and Recycling in the Carolinas.
Website: www.cra-recycle.org
The City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department provides residential curbside collection of garbage, recycle, yard waste and a variety of specialized services. The Department works proactively to reduce waste and to increase recycling in Raleigh, while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability in all areas of the operations.
Surplus property is defined as property that has a re-sale value, but is no longer needed by the university department to continue its operation. The Surplus Property Office will pick up these items and make them available for acquisition by other departments, public agencies or non-profit organizations. Surplus items not acquired by these entities are sold at public surplus sales.
Website: https://procurement.ofa.ncsu.edu/our-services/surplus/
Established in 2001, Waste Reduction & Recycling (WRR) offers comprehensive waste management & educational services to the campus of NC State University.
Website: https://recycling.ncsu.edu
In 2008, the Wake County Board of Commissioners adopted a goal to address the roadside litter problem in Wake County. The 86it Anti-Litter Campaign launched in 2010, with strategies and tactics to thoughtfully engage citizen participation in addressing litter.
Every one of us can be a litterer given the right circumstance: from intentionally littering because there isn’t a receptacle nearby to the unintentional escape of a piece of trash from a car door or unsecured load.
The goal of 86it is to change littering behavior and to instill a sense of community pride and responsibility by encouraging a culture that believes:
1. littering is unacceptable to me and those around me;
2. every piece of litter hurts the image of my community and is harmful to the environment; and
3. I’m responsible for my own trash.
In order to achieve these goals 86it is taking a multifaceted approach to changing behavior through community outreach, organized cleanups, high school program development and an aggressive upbeat social media and marketing campaign.
Website: 86it.com
We sell a toilet paper moistener that eliminates the need to purchase “toilet wipes” for the bathroom, which can pose hazards to plumbing infrastructure and the environment.
Website: fanibath.com
Contact: fanibath@gmail.com
Energy and Water
We are a unit within the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Department tasked with ensuring that University operations are in compliance with the University’s Stormwater (MS4) Permit. Our focus areas include the following: public education, public participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction stormwater, post-construction stormwater, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping.
Website: https://ehs.ncsu.edu/home-page-info/environmental-affairs/storm-water-management/
Contact: Karyn Green, 919-515-6861, kcgreen@ncsu.edu
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC GreenPower is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit improving our state’s environment by supporting renewable energy, carbon offset projects and providing grants for solar installations at K-12 schools. Since 2003, our donors have helped to support more than 1,000 projects right here in North Carolina.
Website: https://www.ncgreenpower.org/
We offer Drinking Water Filters so you can make your own water great again, instead of filling the world with plastic water bottles.
Website: www.HealthProtector.com
We install solar power because it’s our passion. Our goal is to help make the world a better place for future generations by creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy environment. NC Solar Now provides high quality, affordable renewable energy solutions and solar installations for residents and business owners across North Carolina. We love what we do and it shows.
Website: www.ncsolarnow.com
As NC State’s first solar vehicle team, we are aiming to show the world that solar energy can be used to power a car. Along the way, we are making a solar vehicle no other team has done before.
Website: solarpacknc.com
Animals and Wildlife
Education about bees and bee-related products available for purchase, including honey and soaps.
Website: https://baxtersbees.com
The objectives of Beekeepers Club is to provide members an opportunity to organize and attend meetings, seminars, field trips, and other functions concerned with common interests of the members of Beekeepers Club.
Carolina Tiger Rescue is the only federally accredited wild cat sanctuary in North Carolina. We rescue wild cats who were formally pets, held in roadside zoos, or part of the entertainment industry.
Website: CarolinaTigerRescue.org
Climate
The Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center is part of a network of eight Climate Adaptation Science Centers managed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center. We work with natural and cultural resource managers to gather the scientific information and build the tools needed to help fish, wildlife, and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of changing climate and land use.
Website: https://secasc.ncsu.edu/
Twitter: @se_casc
Contact: Aranzazu Lascurain, alascur@ncsu.edu
Our mission is to promote climate action locally, nationally, and globally so that climate change is treated like the urgent issue we know it to be. The Climate Action Pack at NC State is dedicated to educating students about climate change and providing opportunities for climate action.
A project of the League of Conservation Voters, Climate Action NC is using grassroots organizing to turn environmental values into priorities for the state of North Carolina. Through building coalitions, planning events, and working with elected officials our organization works to address climate change and environmental justice across North Carolina. We offer unpaid internships to students who want to learn more about environmental and grassroots organizing in a fast paced environment. Additionally, we offer numerous volunteer opportunities and environmental events that are great for networking.
Twitter: @climateactionnc
Facebook: Climate Action NC
Instagram: @climateactionnc
Contact: Mary Black, field organizer with Climate Action NC, mblacklcv@gmail.com, (910)-551-1448
Art
Art historical and World Culture pendants, semi-precious jewelry, mixed media art and decor
Website: https://www.amazon.com/handmade/BordeauxLaneStudio
Contact: bordeauxlanestudio@gmail.com
The Crafts Center is a place where creative skill and self-expression are fostered through the making and sharing of art and craft. With the intent of enhancing the quality of life, we reach out through academic collaboration, support for student life and through partnerships with other arts organizations. Our studios support the disciplines of woodworking, pottery, photography, fiber arts, lapidary, glass, jewelry, mixed media and more.
Website: https://crafts.arts.ncsu.edu
Instagram: @thecraftscenter
Contact: crafts-center@ncsu.edu
Wellness
This is a great time to use our handmade soap products made with Colloidal Silver and Aloe. All our soap products are made with these two anti-viral and anti-fungal ingredients. We also have an Etsy store. We offer free shipping and always include samples of our products with each order.
Website: pandorassoapworks.com
Instagram: @Pandorasoapworks
Contact: kopp@pandorassoapworks.com
The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the state’s citizens to protect and improve outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit and economic well-being of all. To carry out this mission, the DAQ operates a statewide air quality monitoring network to measure the level of pollutants in the outdoor air, develops and implements plans to meet future air quality initiatives, assures compliance with air quality rules, and educates, informs and assists the public with regard to air quality issues.
NC State Student Health Services offers nutrition counseling for students. One great idea to improve health and reduce environmental impact is to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet.
Website: https://healthypack.dasa.ncsu.edu/care-provided/nutrition-counseling/
NC State Wellness and Recreation empowers the Wolfpack community to thrive. Together, we explore and grow in these six elements of wellness: purpose, financial, physical, emotional, social and community.
Website: https://wellrec.dasa.ncsu.edu
Our business has implemented significant changes towards improving our environmental footprint. We are not only composting on-site but have partnered with Terra-cycling, a company that helps us recycle our beauty products/containers. We are asking our clients to bring back their plastic products to help in this effort. We have also transitioned to reusable bags during out point of sale.
Website: https://www.bluewaterspa.com
Transportation
Triangle Clean Cities Coalition promotes alternative transportation fuels to improve air quality and reduce dependence on petroleum in the Triangle J region. It is part of a national network of 100 coalitions within the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program which aims to advance sustainable transportation strategies for a healthy environment, a robust economy, and a more secure energy future. Triangle Clean Cities works with coalition members including fleet managers, local and state government officials, fuel and vehicle providers, and interested citizen groups to provide grant funding, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.
Website: https://trianglecleancities.org/
Contact: Caitlin Rose, crose@tjcog.org
Commute Smart Raleigh offers easy solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and employee stress, by moving more people in fewer vehicles. We have Commute Smart Consultants to provide advice and assistance on how to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles such as walking, biking, transit, carpooling, vanpooling, teleworking and creative work schedules.
Website: raleighnc.gov/commutesmart
WolfTrails is NC State Transportation’s alternative transportation program. We promote ways to reduce single-occupancy vehicles such as biking, walking, transit, and carpool. These initiatives offer wellness, environmental, and cost saving impacts.
Website: transportation.ncsu.edu
GoTriangle provides public transportation in a region that is experiencing rapid growth and demographic change. We have been entrusted by the public to deliver the highest quality services and infrastructure to match increased community expectations regarding public transportation.
GoTriangle operates regional bus and shuttle service, paratransit services, ridematching and vanpools; provides commuter resources and an emergency ride home program; and is home to the GoTriangle Regional Information Call Center for the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area including Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Hillsborough, Knightdale, RDU International Airport, Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park, Wendell, Wake Forest and Zebulon.
Website: gotriangle.org
Leith Nissan proudly offers the 100% electric Nissan Leaf.
Website: www.leithnissan.com
Contact: Derek Parker, derek.parker@leithcars.com
Plug-in NC has been working since 2011 to establish North Carolina as a leader in electric transportation. We are a statewide program that promotes electric driving through education and outreach, consulting and resource development. We also strive to provide a collaborative opportunity for stakeholders to work together to ensure a seamless integration of electric vehicles into our local communities.
Website: https://pluginnc.com/
Instagram: @pluginnc
Twitter: @PlugInNC
Contact: Lindsay Brecheisen, lbrecheisen@advancedenergy.org
Food
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CEFS develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. CEFS is one of the nation’s most important centers for research, extension, and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. Learn more about some of CEFS’ work related to sustainability: 25 Years of Growing Food and Farming Systems in North Carolina, field research, cover crop research, food system initiatives.
Website: https://cefs.ncsu.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cefspage
Twitter: @infoCEFS
Instagram: @cefsnc
Contact: Dallas Goodnight, dlgoodni@ncsu.edu
Feed the Pack is a student-run food pantry that provides food and hygiene resources to food insecure students, staff and faculty. Our mission is to combat the food insecurity experienced by members of the Wolfpack family. Feed the Pack is located in the Quad Commons on campus, and has special hours during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Website: https://feedthepack.dasa.ncsu.edu/
Instagram: @feedthepack
Contact: Sarah Hartsell, smhartse@ncsu.edu
The Produce Box story began in 2007, when Courtney Tellefsen, a stay-at-home mom in Raleigh, North Carolina, envisioned a better way to support hard-working local farmers while increasing access to farm fresh produce. What started as a small operation between friends and neighbors became a network that today fosters growth for more than 70 farmers and 90 artisan food businesses across the state. At The Produce Box, our mission is simple:
- To ensure every shopper knows where their food comes from.
- To reward the efforts of local farmers.
- To serve shoppers who can’t get to the farmers’ market every week.
In just 10 years, we’ve grown into a community of more than 200 moms and dads dedicated to providing fresh produce delivery statewide. Our local produce delivery services help our neighbors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, and Wilmington areas eat healthier.
Website: www.theproducebox.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProduceBox
Contact: info@theproducebox.com
We operate a sustainable farm in eastern Wake County and offer educational opportunities to young people as well as provide quality farm-fresh products like pork and eggs to residents.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/owlmeadowfarm
Raleigh City Farm is a nonprofit urban farm founded in 2011 on a formerly vacant one-acre lot in downtown Raleigh. We believe in the power of urban farms to create healthier communities and re-connect city-dwellers with healthy food production through more frequent encounters with agriculture. We believe that turning vacant lots into productive, nourishing farmland can create something from nothing – an amenity from an eyesore. We invite our community to “dig in” and advance our mission by signing up for a workshop, taking a tour, attending a special event, and volunteering to help maintain our farm site.
Website: https://raleighcityfarm.org/
Spreading the word about sustainable agriculture.
Website: https://agroecologyeducationfarm.wordpress.ncsu.edu/get-involved/
Service
Iota Lambda’s chapter of APO is a co-ed service organization at NC State. We perform a variety of service events to the fraternity, the campus, and the community. We are founded on Boy Scout principles, and we serve around 3 pillars: leadership, friendship and service. Some of our sustainability-related projects include helping Zero Waste Wolfpack, park cleanups, invasive species removals, helping Interfaith Food Shuttle and Feed the Pack and so much more! In collaboration with the Sustainability Stewards, we also won the Sustainable Shack award at the 2019 Shackathon.
Website: https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/41
Instagram: @apo_ncsu
Contact: Haley Wooten, president@aponcsu.org