Eastern University Earth Day/Week Activities

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) St. Davids, PA - April 15, 2010 - In the spirit of Earth Day, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, Eastern University students, faculty, staff, and alumni will participate in several events throughout the week of April 19-24.

 Earth Day, April 22: The Eastern University community will work together to create a new green space where the historic log cabin once stood. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the island by the volleyball courts at the St. Davids campus at 1300 Eagle Road.

Solar Panels
Also on hand for Earth Day will be representatives of Community Energy, which installed and maintains solar panels on the roof of Eastern University's Eagle Learning Center. These solar panels are now producing clean energy and reducing the University's operating costs while lowering carbon emissions. Throughout the next 20 years, the 56-kilowatt solar system will reduce carbon emissions by 839 metric tons, which is equivalent to the carbon that would be removed by planting 755 acres of trees.

A new online solar energy monitor shows how the solar panels on the roof of Eagle Learning Center are operating each day. View it at: http://siteapp.fatspaniel.net/siteapp/simpleView.jsf?eid=416481   The solar system is financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with PA-based renewable energy developer and marketer, Community Energy, Inc. and constructed by PA-based solar installation company Dynamic Solar. Under the PPA, Community Energy will own and operate the system, which enables Eastern to take advantage of the renewable power source without funding the system's purchase up front. Community Energy will sell Eastern electricity produced by the system at a locked-in rate for 20 years, insulating the University from rising energy costs.   "Community Energy is proud to join Eastern University in developing this project that will bring clean, fuel-free electricity to the campus," said Brent Alderfer, president and chief executive officer of Community Energy. "The solar Power Purchase Agreement is a great way for colleges and universities to reap the cost benefits of solar power without a large initial capital investment."   "The development of the solar market in Pennsylvania has - for the first time - made solar a prudent economic and environmental option," said Michael Perillo, president and chief executive officer of Dynamic Solar.   Community Energy has worked with Eastern University since 2006 to provide Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from wind farms to offset the electricity used on campus with clean, fuel-free energy. The St. Davids campus is 100% wind energy powered through a student-led initiative that began in 2001.   Student Earthkeepers
Tuesday, April 20: The student group Earthkeepers is hosting two other events during Earth Week.  On Tuesday, April 20, they will show the NO IMPACT MAN film at 7 p.m. in the Eagle Hall Great Room on campus. Viewers will enjoy handmade, organic pizza while viewing a film on one family's adventure living a "no environmental-impact" life for one year.   Saturday, April 24: Beginning at noon, there will be a CAMPUS-WIDE GREEN OLYMPICS  starting on the volleyball courts.  Teams of three people will compete in three events:
* Bicycle Relay (bring your own or we can provide one)
* Canoe on the lake
* Orienteering in the woods of Eastern University
Each team should get minimum sponsorship of $30. There will be the following prizes: Gold is a $50 gift card to Out There Outfitters. Silver is a $25 gift card to Wayne Theaters. Bronze is an SIGG Bottle.
Spectators are welcome and refreshments will be sold. All proceeds will go to an inner-city environmental education program.   For Earthkeeper events, contact: bethany.skinner@gmail.com  or brittanybennett.01@gmail.com
  For more information about Eastern University, or directions to the campus, visit: www.eastern.edu    EU6056