In honor of Earth Day, Ecologic—Rensselaer’s environmental student organization—hosted its annual EarthFest event on Tuesday, April 22, on the Rensselaer Union patio.
“The annual EarthFest activities have always been a big hit,” said Elizabeth Anderson, a senior majoring in sustainability studies, who serves as president of EcoLogic and co-chair of the Student Sustainability Task Force. Anderson also plans to pursue her master’s in ecological economics, values, and policy at Rensselaer.
“The weather cooperated for us,” Anderson said. “Dozens of RPI students, as well as a few community members, stopped by for a smoothie or to participate in one of the activities that EcoLogic or another club was running. Overall, I would call EarthFest a success.”
The event, which was open to the public, featured information and displays from Rensselaer student organizations and local environmental groups. More than 200 members of the campus and local community carved out time to enjoy the signature EarthFest offerings, including vegan smoothies, recycled make-your-own notebooks, tie-dying, paint-a-pot, pot-a-plant, and more.
Additional Rensselaer student organizations and campus groups that participated in supporting this year’s EarthFest activities included Terra Cafe, Student Sustainability Task Force, The Vasudha Living & Learning Community, International Anti-Slavery Campaign, Rensselaer Christian Association, Engineers Without Borders, The Wellness Institute, Red Go Green!, Green Greeks. Troy Composting and Troy Bike Rescue were also present.
“A lot of people were essential to making this event successful, including my officers: Marissa Halperin ’14, Jesse Noviello ’15, and Diana Ahrens-Franklin ’16, the Rensselaer Union Administration office, especially Martha McElligott and Cameron McLean, and Richard Manz ’14. I’m also thankful for the all of the clubs and organizations and their members for attending, as well as the rest of the members of EcoLogic.”