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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, April 20, 2009

Sustainability fest celebrates 'green'

By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer

UH FESTIVAL

University of Hawai'i Sustainability Festival in Honor of Earth Day 2009 on Wednesday

11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Open-air marketplace at UH's Krauss Square by Andrews Amphitheater

5-9 p.m.: Outdoor concert at Andrews Amphitheater

Admission: Free

Details: uhmearthday@gmail.com or sustain http://www.ablesaunders.hawaii.edu

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A massive recycling drive, (money-saving!) ideas for a more eco-friendly home and an outdoor concert with John Cruz are among the offerings at the University of Hawai'i Sustainability Festival in Honor of Earth Day 2009, happening Wednesday at UH.

The event features a marketplace with more than 100 booths, including information on green career paths and how to start living greener. The event, in its third year, is presented by the Associated Students of the University of Hawai'i-Manoa and Sustainable Saunders, an initiative at UH-Manoa to evolve one of its on-campus buildings, Saunders Hall, into a model of sustainability.

"We're celebrating a new green economy, so the 100 booths we're going to have showcase all the options, businesses and technology that are at the forefront of this movement," said Shanah Trevenna, student sustainability coordinator of Sustainable Saunders.

In addition to live music and multicultural performances, there will be local and organic food served on biodegradable containers from vendors such as Da Spot, Govinda's and India Cafe.

A recycling drive will be open to accept items such as batteries of all kinds, shoes, cellular phones, laptop computers, magazines, printer cartridges, clothing and household items.

The festival caps off with an outdoor concert featuring Cruz, Lost at Sea, Natural Vibrations and Pressure Drop. Entry to the concert is free with five stamps from daytime booths; five stamps also qualify event goers to win sustainable prizes like bicycles, gift certificates and a surfboard.

Other Earth Day events on Wednesday include:

  •  "For Our Children, For Our Planet: Going Green in Japan and Hawai'i," an exhibit that explores recycling and sustainability in Japan and Hawai'i; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, exhibit continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through July 17, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i community gallery, first floor; free on Wednesday; for all other days, free for JCCH members, $3 for nonmember residents, $5 for nonresidents. Details: 945-7633, info@jcch.com or www.jcch.com.

  • The Green Market, includes poi pounding, haku lei making, worm composting, recycled furniture repainted and refinished by Chinatown artists, food booths with Earth-friendly utensils and dishes, and environmental groups; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Street Mall; free. Details: 528-1475, ext. 17 or 15.

  •  "Our Climate Dilemma: What We Know and What Options Remain," a presentation by UH meteorology professor Kevin Hamilton, with questions and answers to follow; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Windward Community College, Hale Akoakoa, room 101; free. Details: 235-7443.

  • "Plastic: Impacts on our Health, Marine Life and the Environment," lecture by Suzanne Frazer; 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, UH-Manoa Architecture Auditorium; free. Details: www.b-e-a-c-h.org/april09series.html.

  • Kokua Hawai'i Foundation Benefit Auction, featuring items from Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Ben Harper and more, with proceeds benefitting the foundation's programs; Wednesday through May 1. Details: www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org/auction/2009.

    Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.