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������Ƶ’s Earth Day celebration transformed the Ho Science Center atrium into an environmental carnival. Live music by student bands and a vegan barbeque complemented the table displays representing this semester’s initiatives.

Following the planting of 200 tree saplings on the former university ski hill, students, faculty, and community members gathered to learn more about the progress of environmental projects on campus, while enjoying the fun atmosphere.

Democracy Matters, Banish the Bottle, and the local food initiative were just a few of the groups represented at the event.

About 200 saplings were planted on the former ski hill as part of Earth Day observances. (Photo by Andy Daddio)

“The mantra of the Green Summit was ‘action by Earth Day,’ so this was very fitting,” said Rachel Surprenant ’08, the environmental studies program assistant who helped organize both the Earth Day celebration and the summit.

“Students have had a lot of time to make progress and get things done. It is only two months later, though, so the excitement is still there.”

Organizers were glad to see composting tumblers, plastic bins that aerate food waste in order to allow it to decompose into nutrient-rich soil.

“The students decided that before we get a large-scale composting project for the whole university [which is presently being studied], we should get tumblers,” said Surprenant, adding that they will be helpful for promoting the composting idea.

The vegan food was sampled by even the staunchest of meat-lovers.

“All the food here is local and vegan,” said Lindsey Jacobson ’10, one of the student organizers. “We want people to see how delicious vegan food is and consider it as an option to help the environment. It’s also great to support the local economy.”

The most promising spirit behind the event, held on Wednesday, came from the students themselves.

“It seems like there is great energy and focus within the students involved in ,” said Teddi Hofmann ’10. “As a member of Outdoor Education, I think it’s important that we work hard to conserve our earth and its resources. I’m proud to be a part of a school that’s working to do that.”