NC State Celebrates 40th Earth Day

NC State celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in a big way. NC State Earth Day, held on the brickyard on April 22, was the largest ever on campus, growing from 65 vendors in 2009 to nearly 80 in 2010. Campus departments, non-profits, and local businesses participated to celebrate and demonstrate how they are helping to make our community more sustainable. A fair-trade bazaar and the Campus Farmer’s Market were two of the highlights.

A variety of events took place through- out the week of Earth Day. University Dining, as part of Earth Feast, served locally grown and organic produce in the dining halls. In its second year, the Enviro Movie Series doubled attendance and the showing of Garbage Dreams featured an engaging post-screening panel, sponsored by RE3.org, City of Raleigh Recycling, and NC State Waste Reduction and Recycling, discussing landfills and the trash trade in Cairo. In a formal ceremony, the University Sustainability Office, in association with CREE, presented the 2010 Earthwise Awards. As part of SEE NC State, 17 cam- pus departments hosted 24 events during the spring semester.

NC State Earth Day is the result of many tireless volunteer hours by staff and students. Additionally, the event would not be possible without the help of sponsors such as the Union Activities Board (UAB), University Dining, UAB Films Committee, NC State Class Ring Collection, Energy Management, Waste Reduction and Recycling, and the University Sustainability Office.