SDSU Celebrates GreenFest 2011
This week features a variety of events, including keynote speakers Julia
San Diego State may be known for being red and black, but from April 18–22, the campus will go green.
SDSU’s third annual GreenFest is dedicated to promoting sustainability on Montezuma Mesa. A partnership between Associated Students' Cultural Arts and Special Events and Green Love, and the Enviro-Business Society (e3), GreenFest is an entire week of educational and interactive events for students and the SDSU community.
GreenFest is held during the week of international Earth Day on April 22. In 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated. The event paved the way for people to celebrate sustainability across the globe and raise awareness concerning environmental issues.
“GreenFest encourages students to be aware of the impact their decisions have on our environment,” said Jazmine Allen, GreenFest’s public relations and marketing representative.
“As for the larger community, sustainability issues reach far and wide and everyone has felt the effects, whether it’s water-rationing rules or excess waste issues.”
This year's events
This year's keynote speakers will include environmental activists Julia “Butterfly” Hill and Daryl Hannah. They will discuss environmental and societal justice issues from 4–5 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, in Montezuma Hall.
GreenFest will also feature three new events:
- The Amazing Race: The Green Edition, on Monday, April 18, is a campuswide competition where 24 student teams will complete a scavenger hunt, team challenges and other sustainable activities in order to win prizes
- “Sustain Your Roots: World Map to Sustainability,” hosted by AS's Multi-Cultural Caucus, will feature cultural performances and food from more than 20 different countries represented by student organizations and several groups from Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations International Cottages on Wednesday, April 20, on Campanile Walkway
- A culinary showcase on Thursday, April 21, on Campanile Walkway, will feature Top Chef finalist, TLC host and Searsucker restaurant owner and chef Brian Malarkey showing students how to create healthy meals to fit the college lifestyle
Since 2006, e3 has celebrated Earth Day by hosting their annual Earth Day Celebration and Enviro-Business Fair. This year's Enviro-Business Fair takes place Thursday, April 21, on Campanile and Centennial walkways. It will include 50 local businesses and non-profit organizations engaged in sustainable practices.
On Friday, April 22, GreenFest will close with a festival featuring carnival rides, a beer garden and live dance performances. It takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the ENS Field, and will be followed by a sold-out 7:30 p.m. concert featuring Lupe Fiasco and Steve Aoki.
For a schedule of GreenFest events, visit the website. More information regarding e3’s separate Earth Week events can be found here.
