Ohio University students joined with Athens residents yesterday in celebration of Earth Day. Local bands, organizations and foods were featured at The Earth Day Green Event, or The E.D.G.E., hosted by OU's Office of Off-Campus Living.
Washington Street was shut down between Court Street and College Street for the event, which lasted from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Office of Off-Campus Living's sustainability committee suggested the event, which was the organization's main project for Spring Quarter. Barb Harrison, assistant director of Off-Campus Living, said the event was intended not only to encourage sustainability, but to stimulate the Athens economy as well.
We wanted to promote awareness of how we can support ourselves more sustainably by eating locally and using the goods and services that are provided in our community
Harrison said.
Local businesses, such as Snowville Creamery and Donkey Coffee & Espresso, were present at the event, as were local organizations such as Good Works. Corey Stephens, an Athens resident and E.D.G.E. attendee, found the support of local businesses to be an important aspect of the event.
People who live and work here need support Stephens said. I'd rather support my neighbor than a store like Walmart.
The Athens Water Department and the Ohio Foodshed were also present at the event and provided attendees with information on how to lead more environmentally friendly lives.
This event helped educate people on living sustainably both environmentally and economically
said Stephanie Matias, first-year graduate student and former Off-Campus Living community assistant.
Local musicians donated their time to provide entertainment for the event. Athens-based bands including Yellow Light Maybe, Boys of the Hock, Fodder Beets, and Duke Junior & the Smokey Boots all played at E.D.G.E. Belly dancers from the Zenouba Middle Eastern Dance Studio also gave an impromptu performance at the event, instead of having their usual Thursday class at ARTS/West.
The event gave OU students the chance to form connections with Athens residents, which is one of the Office of Off-Campus Living's main goals, Matias said.
E.D.G.E., which cost between $1,200 and $2,000 to put on, was considered a great success, Harrison said.
All afternoon we've been amazed at the response of attendees
Harrison said.
More than 150 people were in attendance, and Matias said the mix of students and residents made the event worthwhile.
We were able to give people the chance to get together
build community and respect one another
Matias said.
1
News
Bridget Mallon
