Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." Tomorrow, Earth Day 2008 hopes to inspire students, faculty and staff at San Diego State to be that change.
"Every person has the power to create a greener earth," co-president of Enviro-Business Society Amanda Costa said. "That is an amazing power that should be celebrated."
Presented by e3 and CASE, the full day celebration features different events from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
An Earth Fair featuring eco-friendly businesses and organizations will kick off the day at 11 a.m. on Campanile Walkway. The fair will provide students with consumer information and professional networking opportunities.
Abel Wurmnest, the programs coordinator for CASE, said that many San Diego businesses wanted to participate in this event and that it will be packed.
"We have had a lot of community support," Wurmnest said. "People are just thrilled about this event."
The celebration also includes musical acts. The Carbon-Neutral concert, featuring Rebelution at 7 p.m. on the Aztec Green, is a free event open to all students. Set on a solar stage provided by Sustainable Waves, this concert is the first of its kind at SDSU. President Stephen Weber made a special exception for Earth Day to host the evening concert in the area near the MTS trolley station. "That area of campus is not typically used for concerts for two reasons: The proximity of the trolley station requires extra security, and also we want to maintain the beauty of that area," Wurmnest said.
Wurmnest, who said he just finished putting his final touches on the event, added that the location of the concert is important because it is a gorgeous space that really showcases the beauty of nature. "We're hoping to transition that space into an area of campus that is utilized a little more and maybe make people a little more inclined to hang out there," Wurmnest said.
The Cultural Drum Circle and the organization Oxfam will give the SDSU community an opportunity to raise money for countries suffering the effects of climate change because of global warming. It is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Aztec Center Outdoor Patio. Education is also a big part of tomorrow's celebration. A Green Building Summit at 1:30 p.m. in Casa Real will feature high-profile speakers who advocate the ethical, ecological and economic principles of e3.
Though CASE has always been involved in Earth Day celebrations, this year its involvement and financial contribution increased, Wurmnest said.
"Our organization has celebrated Earth Day on-campus since its founding year in 2005," Erica Johnson, co-president of e3, said. "It is so thrilling to see the event evolve each year into an event of this magnitude. It's really a great accomplishment for all the organizations and students at SDSU."
Johnson said she is already looking forward to next year's even bigger Earth Day celebration. Funds from the recently approved student fee increase will be allocated to an enormous celebration that is already in the works.
Even if students can't get involved or attend this year's Earth Day events, e3 encourages students to wear green and consider taking alternative transportation to school tomorrow to support the cause.
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