The sun is shining, the quad is decked out in green, and it's probably the first day it hasn't rained in forever -- and I'm enjoying some Earth Day festivities.

 

This year the University of Illinois is enjoying a week of earth-friendly activities and events sponsored by Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS), the Illini Union Board and the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. The "Go Green RSO Fair" -- RSO stands for school clubs and organizations -- was held on the quad from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 

Some of the organizations included Engineers without Borders, the YMCA'S Habitat Restoration Group and the Illini Union's Green Initiative.

The Engineers without Borders were educating students about home weatherization.  Their booth was set up with two mini "homes;" one that was blue for bad energy efficiency, and one that was green for good. 

 

"By installing new insulation or double-paning your windows, you can save a lot of money," said Siebel Leblebici, a member of the group.

 

"If you can cut back on the amount of energy you are receiving from coal powered plants -- like many of the plants that supply homes in this area -- you will be lowering you carbon footprint," said Tessa Colbrese.

 

In the future, the group plans to bring models like these to college classrooms to educate students on how they can make changes.

 

"An easy change many people don't know about is wrapping an old blanket around your water heater," said Colbrese.  "Who doesn't have an old ratty blanket lying around?"

 

At another booth, Christine Chung, a representative of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, was asking students to pledge to be Green. 

 

"Students can pledge to use less plastic, recycle, carry canvas totes -- anything that would be considered green," said Chung.

 

The "October Lovers" were another group that came out for the fair.  They are the premiere autumn appreciation group on campus and engage in fall activities all year, such as camping, bon fires and picking apples, according to Rachael Mayer, a group representative.

 

Just a couple booths away, the YMCA's Habitat Restoration Group helps restore prairie sites and forests by doing controlled burnings or cutting down invasive species, said Justin Maissen. 

 

Don't worry, all you veg-heads were represented at this year's fair, too.  Volunteer Illini Projects (VIP) Environmental, was offering vegan cookie samples and a chance to register to join their organization. 

 

"We're trying to improve campus awareness about vegetarianism," said Dana Lange. 

 

Later tonight everyone's favorite trash cleaning robot, WALL-E, will be playing on the quad.  Be sure to check out all of the other great activities that are happening this week, such as bike tune-up workshops and environmental discussions.

 

For more information check out SECS website, or e-mail them on how you can help join and improve the campus's efforts.

 

"We've had a great turn-out this year," said Mariam Rizk, the Illini Union's progressive director. "We're just trying to bring green ideas out to the campus.

 

Photos:  Stephanie Poquette