Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University is digging into Earth Week by offering a chance for would-be planet savers to really walk the talk. On Saturday, April 16, students and community members can participate in Corvallis Earth Connect. Volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. at Avery Park, where they'll participate in one or more environmentally-focused service opportunities.

Just a few blocks away, the annual EarthFaire event will be taking place. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on First Street between Monroe and Madison, the community will gather to celebrate ways to make the community more healthy, safe and sustainable. The Procession of the Species parade kicks off at noon, starting at First and Jackson and winding through downtown. Homemade masks and costumes are encouraged (no pets allowed).

The events continue through April 23, with most of the activities taking place on or near campus, including the Earth Week Community Fair in the Memorial Union Quad on April 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to more than 40 groups focused on environmental issues, this year's event will honor Poverty Awareness Week as well.

The annual Earth Day Hoo Haa is always a popular event, and takes place this year on April 22 at an OSU student-run organic farm on the outskirts of Corvallis. This year's circus theme promises to ratchet up the fun as visitors learn all about organic farming and sustainability. Shuttle buses will take folks to and from campus.

"OSU is consistently recognized as a place that is pushing the limits on issues of sustainability and environmental responsibility," said Andrea Norris, Campus Recycling Outreach Coordinator. "Students have demonstrated a commitment to making the world a better place through their actions, where they dedicate their student fees, and what they choose to study. Earth Week is simply an extension of that attitude."

Other highlights of Earth Week include training on how to write resumes for "green" jobs, a poetry reading and e-waste recycling collection to get rid of old and broken electronic devices.

For a full list of Earth Week events see http://recycle.oregonstate.edu/EarthDay/eventCalendar.cfm