This past Saturday, April 30, Plymouth State University and Common Ground hosted its 4th Annual Earth Jam, bringing together lovers of music, of the environment, and all things green.
Earth Jam is a compilation of music, food, and activities that all have one common theme: the environment. Being a green school, PSU celebrates Earth Day and collaborates with local environmentally friendly vendors to provide a fun event that helps inform our community about ways to reuse and recycle materials and be aware of what we can do to globally help the earth. The day was full of hippie skirted, tie-dyed college students, pets, and families as everyone got involved in the festivities before the musicians took to the stage to perform into the night.
Numerous vendors lined the walkways on the green in front of the HUB, selling products that were made in an environmentally friendly way, helping to avoid using harmful chemicals. Some of these vendors included items such as plants, aluminum water bottles, tote bags woven together using plastic bags, handmade hula hoops, fertile seeded note cards, village djembe drums, all-natural dog food and pet snacks, and small purses made from reused fabrics. Various PSU programs also set up tables among the various tents in support of their group and Earth Day. There were even a few interactive stations, such as a place to refill water bottles instead of purchasing one packaged in plastic and a stationary bike that mixed smoothies while a person was riding it.
One of the main “green” aspects that Earth Jam is known for is its use of solar powered speakers during the concert. All of the sound was energized by solar panels that were strapped to a truck parked by the stage, thus conserving kilowatts of electricity that are expended when speakers and amps are run off of power outlets. There was also a car parked in front of the HUB for display that ran off of vegetable oil instead of gas. PSU students also brought in bracelets and plant containers that were made from reusable materials to support the cause.
PACE also contributed to the events during Earth Jam by setting up a large tent in front of the Silver walkway that offered tie-dye. They kept the activity safe for the environment by using organic, made-in-America T-shirts and organic dyes. It became one of the most popular spots, the line extending halfway to the HUB throughout most of the afternoon.
Leanne O’Connor, president of Common Ground, gave a lot of information about what Earth Jam is all about and what activities were present this year. She summed up the whole event by saying, “Earth Jam is a ‘green’ event and is mostly recognized for our use of solar power. We also choose local, environmentally friendly vendors that sell products they make or were made in a responsible fashion. Earth Jam is all about being as sustainable as possible and having a ton of fun, which we definitely accomplished this year!” Leanne was very proud of the efforts and achievements that Common Ground, and other student run programs, made to contribute to this exciting and environmentally conscious day.