VSU S.A.V.E. Hosts Earth Day

VALDOSTA - Students Against Violating the Environment at Valdosta State University is hosting an Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, in Drexel Park.

Open to the community, the event will offer educational speakers, local art and vendors, raffle opportunities, live music and refreshments. S.A.V.E. members said they plan for the day to also provide opportunities for addressing environmental and social justice issues and cultivating the relationships, which are important for grassroots movements on such issues.

“As university students, who have a myriad of resources at our fingertips, and community leaders, who are connected to the roots of Valdosta and the region, we can work together to continue making and building on existing accomplishments toward environmental and social justice,” S.A.V.E. member Natalie Quinn said.

Last year’s event featured a number of local band performances and presentations from community members on local environmental issues, which Quinn believes set the stage for an even bigger event this year. The theme centers around Mayor John Fretti’s Climate Protection Agreement, a document that will aid Valdosta in implementation of renewable energy technologies and energy efficient products, on a comprehensive timeline. The policy will allow Valdosta to take the lead for environmental and social justice.

Quinn said her organization encourages people to get out of their homes and come together for the cause, each realizing the importance of working together to create a clean, green future.

“We urge citizens to jump on board with what we have in mind and take time to learn what we mean by that,” she said. Stop by the festival, join our celebration of the Earth and maybe even our life’s commitment to solving environmental issues.”

For more information about the Earth Day Celebration, e-mail Quinn at nghogg@valdosta.edu or visit www.valdosta.edu/save .