Energy Conservation Contest and Earth Day Celebration

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta State University’s Environmental Issues Committee (EIC) and Students Against Violating the Environment (S.A.V.E.) announce the third annual Energy Conservation Contest, to be held Monday, April 4, to Sunday, April 17.

During this competition, students are encouraged to conserve energy by turning off lights, unplugging unused appliances, using cold water and turning down thermostats. The hall that reduces the most energy per person compared to their current energy during that month the previous year will win a grand prize.

“This competition was organized in 2009 through a joint effort between the energy subcommittee of the EIC, S.A.V.E, residence hall staff and plant operations staff,” said Dr. Brian Ring, member of the EIC. “The winning dorm is selected based on the overall greatest percentage reduction in kilowatt hours across a two week monitoring period as compared to a prior two weeks in the early spring. Georgia Power sponsors the event by providing funds for a party at the winning dorm. We look forward to a productive competition again this year.”

Ring added that it has become a tradition to announce the winning dorm at the annual Earth Day celebration. The celebration will be held Friday, April 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Drexel Park.

“This year’s Earth Day celebration will feature live music from several bands and artists, including the group Greenland is Melting, which performed last year,” said S.A.V.E President Erin Hurley. “Our guest speakers will talk about biomass plants and their effects on the environment. The celebration also includes vendors, activities for children and free food with meat and vegetarian options.”

For more information about the Energy Conservation Contest, e-mail bcring@valdosta.edu . To find out more about the Earth Day celebration or Earth Day initiatives, e-mail ephurley@valdosta.edu or visit http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011 .