Some Orange County schools will be a little greener this year, thanks to the support of participants at Earth Action Fest. The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 29, will raise money to purchase renewable energy through NC GreenPower for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City school system. Organizers are also planning educational booths, music, food and activities for all ages.

Earth Action Fest 2005 organizers present
a check for the purchase of renewable
energy for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro
City school system.
Photo: Jerry Markatos for SURGE

Last year's event helped to raise nearly $2,000 in direct contributions and sales of green wristbands to attendees. The money was used to purchase renewable energy from NC GreenPower to offset a portion of the electrical usage of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School system. The purchase resulted in the generation of approximately 80,000 kWh of electricity from the cleaner resources that NC GreenPower offers. The success of the inaugural event has encouraged organizers to again support NC GreenPower as part of the overall mission of the festival.

The 2006 Earth Action Fest is a day-long collection of activities celebrating the environment and ways to sustain it. The event is co-hosted by the SURGE Network, Eartheal and Summit-Performance Systems, and involves dozens of volunteers in the development and production of the event. All involved have a common interest in environmental stewardship and a more sustainable future.

Activities at the 2006 Earth Action Fest include:

• Earth Action March - from Weaver Street Market to the Earth Action Fair at Carrboro Town Commons.
  
  
• Earth Action Fair - at the Carrboro Town Commons from 2:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., including live music, hybrid cars, informational booths, food activities for all ages.
  
  
• Stream Cleanup - will meet at the Carrboro Town Commons at 11:00 a.m. to clean up a local stream.

The renewable energy purchased as a result of Earth Action Fest will be added to the electric grid to the benefit of all North Carolinians, and the message of a community that cares about the future of its schools and students will provide benefits that will last long after the lights are turned off.