University, community celebrates Earth Day

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day gave West Virginia University students and Morgantown residents a chance to see a show, catch free bus rides and learn about "green" practices.

The WVU Office of Sustainability, along with WELL WVU and the WVU Young Democrats, sponsored the "Green Show on the Green," a concert and sustainability fair.

Several booths were set up in the Mountainlair to promote sustainability at WVU.

Mountain Line Transit Authority offered coupons for free bus rides as part of Earth Day festivities, while free T-shirts made of 100 percent recycled material and reusable water bottles were also given away.

"I think the first part is education and awareness. For someone to act, they need to be aware of what the issue is," said Clement Solomon, director of Sustainability at WVU. "Every day should be an Earth Day, and this event is highlighting that issue."

The event, Solomon said, was primarily student run, and free Mountain Line bus ride coupons promoted the use of public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.

Maria Smith, marketing officer at the Mountain Line Transit Authority, said they are trying to put the word out to empower people.

"For every change that every person makes, it makes a big change at the end of the day. Public transportation is one way that people can help the Earth," Smith said.

Using public transportation saves 900,000 automobile fill-ups each day, 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline a year and reduces individual carbon emissions by 48,000 pounds per year, according to a Mountain Line press release.

Bus rides usually cost 75 cents per ride. Mountain Line bus service is free to WVU students with a WVU I.D.

The Office of Sustainability has been working with other organizations and the community to sponsor Earth Month during April.

Earlier in the month the Office of Sustainability sponsored a water and eco artist lecture by Basia Irland at the Creative Arts Center, Amizade's Water Walk for Women's Rights, Impact E.A.R.T.H. (Environmental Awareness and Respecting Tomorrow's Home), the Earth Day 5K race and the Sierra Swing Show at 123 Pleasant Street.

Upcoming events include a free paper-shredding day at the Communications Building on Patteson Drive from 9 a.m. to noon today for students' personal documents.

Electronic recycling will also be available on Maiden Lane for all types of electronic devices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We want everyone to feel part of it, and wherever we can assist and help, we are glad to do that," Solomon said.