Earth Day celebrations at UF to include local food and sustainable fun

April 15, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Plaza of the Americas will be transformed into a carnival-themed spectacle between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 22 as the University of Florida celebrates Earth Day.

Gators for a Sustainable Campus and UF’s Office of Sustainability will host the festival focusing on sustainability. UF President Bernie Machen will deliver his annual report on the State of Sustainability at UF at 10:30 a.m. UF’s first sustainability recognition awards program will follow.

The event will include activities such as face painting, a clothing exchange, a plant giveaway, a household hazardous waste roundup and interactive opportunities to learn more about UF’s commitment to sustainability.

From 5 to 8 p.m., the Fresh Food Company at Broward Dining Hall will host a local foods cook-off. Teams of Gator Dining Services employees will compete to cook dishes using local ingredients, and Fresh Food Company customers will choose the winners.

Tables outside will feature information about sustainability from local businesses and organizations, a prize drawing and giveaway that will include items such as reusable cups, Sweetwater organic coffee and a bicycle. The regular $8.53 price remains the same, or students, staff and faculty can use their meal plans.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, the Harn Museum of Art and Florida Museum of Natural History are joining together once again to celebrate Earth Day. The free event features crafts, painting demonstrations, live music, a dance performance, educational presentations and organic food.