Photo by Ben Abbott
UAF Sustainable Campus Task Force members mobilizing for what promises to be an impressive week-long extravaganza starting Monday Apr. 21 and continuing until Sunday Apr. 27. The week will include an art competition, workshops, lectures, food and concerts. Earth Week is planned to help people learn how to make a difference for the environment.

Nick Brehm succinctly described the upcoming Earth Day celebration and conference as “Free barbeque, recycled art competition, and hopefully we’ll have some tie-dye action going on.” “Earth Week,” sponsored by the UAF Sustainable Campus Task Force (SCTF), appears to be an epic event.

With a kickoff Monday, Apr. 21, the week will be studded with hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, free food, and movies.

When asked what “Earth Week’s” goals were, club member Amy Snider responded, “Hopefully everyone will learn something and have fun.”

Michaela Hitchcock explained that “most people care about the environment but they don’t always know how to make a difference. We want to give them the means and also motivate.”

Interior Alaska faces unique challenges concerning sustainability. To equip students and community members, SCTF is bringing in local experts. There will be presentations on gardening, energy efficiency, climate change solutions, and sustainability policy to address topics specific to Fairbanks.

Snider said, “We are an educational institution. With a little expertise from the campus community and participation from the larger Fairbanks community we can improve our quality of life.”

This is the fourth annual Sustainable Living Conference to be organized by SCTF. Hitchock mentioned that getting involved with the club was “really easy. You’re not expected to do more than you can but you have a chance to do as much as you want.” The club meets every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Wood Center lounge.

The climax of the conference will be the Saturday “Earth Day Fair. ” The all day affair will be held outside the Wood Center from 11a.m. – 8 p.m. (or later).

For music lovers, “Alaska’s funkiest band,” Gangly Moose and The Back Country Brothers “Fairbanks’ hottest jug band,” will be playing. For anyone looking for a cheap, eco-friendly ride, there will be a refurbished bike sale.

For more Earth Week info, or if you want to volunteer e-mail fbsctf@uaf.edu, visit www.vortexforces.com/sctf, or call 474-6037.