LAS VEGAS - April 15, 2013 - Southern Nevada residents can commemorate Earth Day, learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community at the Festival of Communities and GREENFest Earth Day events at UNLV on April 20. Both events and parking are open and free to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will feature more than 150 student and community vendor displays, with live music and cultural dance performances, UNLV campus tours, a farmer's market, beer garden and food from around the world. A designated kids zone will have crafts and games, bounce houses, balloon art, magic, face painting, inflatable bumper cars and a human fly trap. UNLV undergraduate students will also display their work and accomplishments as part of a research and creative activities symposium at the Student Union.
"Festival of Communities showcases the cultural breath of the UNLV community and the undergraduate research conducted in the Las Vegas valley. The festival has become a celebration of culture, innovation and art that reflects the diversity of Southern Nevada," said Randy McCrillis, director of the office of civic engagement and diversity at UNLV.
Earth Day activities include a Recycled Wear fashion show, natural gas truck experience, solar and eco-car displays, renewable energy exhibits, Republic Services recycling display, CCSD recycling bin art contest and free on-site recycling collections.
The event will also showcase DesertSol, UNLV's entry into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon this year. DesertSol is designed as an ultra-efficient house that celebrates sustainable living in the Mojave Desert using solar as the only fuel source.
"We hope those who attend will not only learn about a sustainable lifestyle but also will develop an appreciation and understanding of the cultural diversity and environmental resources that our great community offers," said Tracy Skenandore of Republic Services, a GREENFest co-founder.
Residents are encouraged to bring down their recyclables and used items for free recycling collections; Shred-It Las Vegas will collect personal documents for shredding, the Blind Center will accept electronics and Republic Services will accept commingled recyclables from your home or office. New to GREENFest this year is a repurpose collection. Partners from HELP of Southern Nevada will collect gently used clothing for infants to middle school students and Project 150 LV will collect used clothing, shoes, sports equipment, suits and prom dresses for high school students.
"We are proud to present what has become the largest community Earth Day celebration in Southern Nevada," said Annette Bubak of Green Alliance. "Brought to the community by a network of likeminded organizations, businesses and individuals, GREENFest offers something for everyone."
About Festival of Communities
UNLV's Festival of communities began in the spring of 2007 as an annual celebration of the rich cultural diversity of UNLV and the Las Vegas valley. The program has grown from a few dozen booths and 1,000 participants to a community event featuring more than 180 booths and more than 7000 visitors to the UNLV campus. Learn more at festivals.unlv.edu.
About GREENFest
GREENFest was founded by Republic Services and the Green Alliance in 2010 with the vision to educate the community on recycling, environmental topics and services available to them to enjoy and live a more sustainable lifestyle. The mission of the GREENFest Earth Day celebration is to bring together professional organizations, businesses, community leaders, residents and municipalities in one collaborative celebration in honor of national Earth Day. Together we are stronger and more impactful.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in the U.S. non-hazardous solid waste industry. Through its subsidiaries, Republic's collection companies, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills focus on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers. Republic and its employees believe in protecting the planet and applying common sense solutions to customers' waste and recycling challenges. For more information visit republicservicesvegas.com and on Facebook.com/RepublicServicesVegas.
About Green Alliance
The Nevada Energy Star (R) Partners - Green Alliance, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is a statewide coalition in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that serves as the hub for local and regional companies, organizations and individuals to connect, access information and share ideas for developing "greener," more energy conscious and sustainable communities. Connect. Discover. Thrive. Visit thinkenergystar.com for more information about organization and joining the GREEN Alliance and on Facebook.
