The annual spring festival Greenfest, hosted by Students for the Environment and co-sponsored by the College Democrats, was held Saturday on the North Green to help spread environmental awareness to the community.
More than 100 students, faculty and community members gathered on the Green to enjoy live music and visit eco-friendly vendors in efforts to pass on knowledge about being environmentally friendly.
In the past, Greenfest has been held off campus. However, this year marks the third time S4E has held the event on campus. This year's event showcased the university's electric car.
Senior Katie DiMichele, vice president of S4E, said the event was a way to improve the environment.
"It's exciting to have the car and students showing off their ideas in effort to make the world greener."
A display of eco-friendly initatives were offered by the organization Engineers Without Borders.
Junior Dan Ruhlman, a member of the organization, said it was great to be able to show off their newest invention: the solar power pump.
Ruhlman said the pumps had been constructed to use electricity generated by the solar panels. Much of their supplies, including the solar panels, have been either donated or funded by various government grants or fundraisers, he said.
Ruhlman said the group expanded a mere science experiment to a device that is being used by poverty-stricken areas around the world.
"The organization is presently working in Cameroon to help install these solar power pumps to help provide people with fresh water, while also being environmentally-friendly," he said.
The event included music and dancing, catching the attention of students.
Junior Rosalie Rataj attended the event in hopes to become more eco-friendly herself.
"I came out today to learn about the environment and how I can change my personal life to be a greener person," Rataj said.
Junior Paul Ruiz, president of the College Democrats, said he hopes this event opened people's eyes.
"I hope this event will allow students to gain a better understanding about the environment and change their lifestyle to accommodate the environment," Ruiz said.
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