AWC observes Earth Day with sustainability fair
Forty years ago, Earth Day was born out of a movement inspired by Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," which raised a new consciousness about the link between Earth and the humans who populate it.
Arizona Western College will celebrate Earth Day's anniversary with its third annual Sustainability Fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday on the main campus in the College Community Center (3C Building).
The AWC Science and Honors classes organize this event to educate the community about the "Array of Opportunities" available to create a sustainable life. Sponsors include Allied Waste, Mission Disposal and the Yuma Sun.
The Array of Opportunities Sustainability Fair will provide seminars, demonstrations and lectures on the use of solar power as well as a collection of vendors all in one place.
Other speakers will talk about making personal changes, development of the Yuma East Wetlands and alternative medicine.
“This year we are creating a home base for all things solar," said Ted Martinez, AWC biology professor. "We want the community to know that AWC is a resource to gather solar power information. With the announcement of the installation of the solar arrays on campus and the new educational programs, AWC will be the best place to gain knowledge of the solar process."
This year more than ever, the event will offer things for the entire family, from fun activities for children to a variety of information on how to live more "green" for the adults.
The fair will also feature cultural dances, live music, art, theater, food booths, educational booths, kids crafts, contests, games, give-a-ways, educational exhibits and learning activities.
"I invite people to come out," Martinez said. "I think we have a lot to offer. We want everyone to have a positive experience ... have fun and share information."
Martinez explained that the Sustainability Fair got its start three years ago when some of his students wanted to bring increased awareness about recycling to the college campus. From there, the event took on other facets, such as alternative energy and water conservation, he said.
"It became a movement toward sustainability," he said. "This ties into the national dialogue of sustainability, defined as meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising future generations. Our actions on Earth aren't without an impact."
He continued: "The first step is recognizing that humans do have an impact. The second step is what we can do about it. That doesn't mean we have to live with less. It's the wise use of natural resources."
It comes down to personal choices, Martinez said.
"We can provide for our comfort without taking away from future generations - or from those on the other side of the world."
SUSTAINABILITY FAIR 2010
Schedule of speakers - Thursday
• 9:30 a.m. - Personal change or environmental crisis? By Dr. Carl Myers, owner of Nature’s Express.
• 10 a.m. - Altering the current path: The future is now! By Samuel Colton, Arizona Western College welding professor.
• 10:30 a.m. - Saving the green: Home energy review. By Andrea Bereznak of Arizona Public Service Co.
• 11 a.m. - Let the sun shine: Home solar installation. By Joe Mitchell, AWC chemistry professor who owns a solar home.
• 11:30 a.m. - Reclaiming our past and becoming our future: Yuma East Wetlands.
• Noon - How complimentary alternative medicine can have a green effect on our health care system. By Acupuncture of Yuma.
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Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.
