Groups kick off events on energy

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By Jasmine Whitlow

For the fifth consecutive year, UK Office of Residence Life and UK Greenthumb present a month of “diverse” events as part of Earthdays in the Bluegrass.

“All events in EDBG are designed to promote responsible citizenship,” said Shane Tedder, the sustainability coordinator for UK’s Office of Residence Life. “In today’s world that is more important than ever.”

The month-long series of events kicked off Wednesday with “Fossil Fools Day.” The UK community was encouraged to reduce energy use by doing simple things such as turning off the lights, switching to more energy efficient appliances and walking or riding a bike instead of driving. EDBG aims to create an opportunity for people to learn about sustainability and to raise awareness of sustainability efforts locally and across Kentucky.

Tedder said the environmental sciences department, along with WRFL and the Late Night Film Series, are presenting different aspects of sustainability and recycling throughout the month by providing students with the opportunities to see recycling and sustainability through a variety of media.

“When planning the events, we wanted to appeal to all demographics and also show that the different realms that sustainability and the environment can be expressed, be it through art, music or a movie,” said Sierra Fowler, programming coordinator for the Office of Residence Life.

Throughout the EDBG, students can also attend meetings of the student environmental organization, Greenthumb.

“EDBG is more than just talking about helping our planet, it is about educating our community through numerous outlets so that they can be a part of the ‘go green’ effort,” said Scott Beckmeyer, co-coordinator of EDBG and president of UK Greenthumb. “Often times talks about sustainability come in pieces, but through EDBG you have a whole month dedicated to global initiatives and efforts.”

Two workshops will also be offered, according to the EDBG Web site. One will bring Will Allen to Lexington to educate the community about how access to safe and affordable fruits and vegetables could help solve problems with obesity and diabetes.

EDBG will conclude with a campus-wide clean up on April 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stoll Field. All participants will receive a free EDBG T-shirt.

All EDBG events can be found at www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Recycling/earthDays.