Musicians will perform on a 100 percent solar-powered stage as part of OHIO Unplugged, a zero-waste music festival, from 4 to 8 p.m. today on South Green lawn.
As a part of Sustainability Week, Unplugged exposes students to resource conservation, the results of fossil fuel dependence and the benefits of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
There will be no landfill waste of any kind generated. Everything will be either composted or recycled
said Sonia Marcus, coordinator for the Office of Resource Conservation. The office is the event's main sponsor, and ACRN, the OU Hip Hop Congress, Dovetail Solar & Wind, Sustainable Living and Campus Recycling are all co-sponsors.
The stage, powered by Dovetail Solar & Wind, will feature Attila Horvath, Kaslo and DJ Self Help.This is the first time we've done a concert with a cause behind it in recent history said Jason Wright, general manager of ACRN.
Wright said the volume of dorm residents' trash shows student apathy. OHIO Unplugged will prompt people to take alternative energy seriously by proving it can go toward something realistic and enjoyable he said.
Between musical acts, the art collective Fossil Fools will perform. Events such as solar cooking and a DJ/VJ presentation are part of Fossil Fools' collaborative effort, said Tom Hansell, a documentary filmmaker for the group.
We aren't going to have any information tables. When you think about involvement fair on College Gate
that's not what we're doing
Marcus said.
Interactive booths will feature games with prizes like a solar cell phone and iPod charger. ReUse Industries' booth features an exhibit showing students' individual carbon emissions.
Our whole objective is to provide events outside of the classroom that allow you to learn about these issues in an environment that is creative and interactive and fun
Marcus said.
Avalanche Pizza, a business that uses local farmers' ingredients, will provide free pizza from 5 to 7 p.m. Marcus said Unplugged chose Avalanche in part because they do not bleach or print their boxes. This facilitates recycling.
OHIO Unplugged will launch Planet OHIO, a Web site designed to operate as a hub for campus and community ecological sustainability efforts, Marcus said. The Web site, www.ohio.edu/planetOHIO, becomes active today.
I hope that students walk away feeling motivated to take action on the issues of fossil fuel dependence and climate change
Marcus said. The whole idea is to get people excited and motivated about making changes in their own lifestyles and getting involved in initiatives to change our whole society.
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Susie Shutts
