By Alissa Hayward

A month-long celebration of being a responsible global citizen begins today and runs throughout April.

Earthdays in the Bluegrass starts with a showcase of “The True Cost of Coal,” today at 6 p.m. in room 357 of the Student Center.

EDBG will feature more than 25 events such as workshops, community service, films, presentations and music, said Shane Tedder, the UK sustainability coordinator.

“I encourage students to check out the full calendar of events at www.edbg.org and choose the events that appeal most to them,” Tedder said.

On Thursday, Climate Change, a panel discussion held in conjunction with the Earthhour International Event, will consist of officials from UK, the city of Lexington and community organizations. The event is at Davis Marksbury Building Auditorium at 5 p.m. and panelists will talk about what they are doing to “reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and become more climate neutral.”

“We hope that students come away from our events with a better perspective about how they can interact with their surroundings more responsibly and sustainably,” Robert Kahne, president of the Student Sustainability Council, said.

Events in April include Pedalpalooza, 2020 Vision and Earth Day Fair.

Pedalpalooza will celebrate bicycles and includes bicycling games, food and local music. It is on April 9 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Center Parking Lot.

On April 14, the event, 2020 Vision, will consist of a series of lectures by sustainability professionals and professors from across the country. It will be in the Davis Marksbury Building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Earth Day Fair is April 22 and will showcase “several sustainability initiatives across the city” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Free Speech Area of the Student Center.

“I think Earthdays in the Bluegrass is a good idea,” Kristen Knott, a finance junior, said. “I just bought reusable shopping bags, so I would like to learn more about what I can do to help the Earth.”