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Learn to Live Green at the 2014 LivingGreen Fair

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Looking for something fun to do over lunch area with affordable, healthy food and engaging activities related to sustainability?  On May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., UCSF is holding its annual LivingGreen Fair at the Millberry Union Game Room. 

 “The fair will offer many fun and engaging resources on how you can live green at work and home,” said UCSF Sustainability Manager Gail Lee.  “Plus we are offering great prizes this year, including a bicycle, chocolate, organic snacks and healthy beauty products, as well as the chance to taste organic chocolate and learn about UCSF’s sustainability program.”

Carmelina’s Taqueria will provide healthy lunches for only $5.

Showcasing UCSF Sustainability Efforts

“Come learn more about the UCSF Sustainability Action Plan and partake in the fun activities,” said Lee.  Over 60 vendors from Sierra Club to Rainbow Grocery to My Green Lab to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics will provide information on their products and programs. There will be a variety of fun activities:

  • Test drive a Nissan Leaf electric car
  • Check out the Scoot Network electric scooters
  • Take the UCSF Commuter Survey
  • Learn about community organizations such as 350.org, Sierra Club and the Parks Conservancy
  • Explore the Visual Arts Club at UCSF and Campus Life Services Arts & Events second Recycled/Reclaimed Art Show
  • Participate in the used bike auction
  • Bring a pair of used sneakers to be recycled and receive a one-day pass to UCSF Fitness & Recreation Center

Participate in Bike to Work Day and Win a Free Lunch Voucher

May 8 is also Bike to Work Day. UCSF will run a Transportation Services-sponsored energizing station at the Parnassus campus, at Irving and Arguello Street, providing light refreshments to bikers from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. More information about Bike to Work Day can be found at sfbike.org/bike-to-work-day/.

“All UCSF faculty, staff and students who bike to work and visit our energizing station on Bike to Work Day, will be given a voucher for a free lunch at the LivingGreen Fair,” said Eric Skultety, UCSF Rideshare Coordinator.

Learn More About Growing Your Own Food

Want to learn more about growing your own food?  Nomad Gardens will be present to answer questions about the new community garden opening at Mission Bay.  Among the many vendors attending the fair, Tower Garden® will be in attendance, showcasing its state-of-the-art vertical aeroponic growing system. It’s perfect for rooftops, patios, balconies, terraces—just about any relatively sunny place outside.  The Tower Garden Growing System comes with everything you need to start growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits at home—including specially formulated plant food and gourmet seeds. The aeroponic 5-feet-tall vertical garden allows you to grow up to 20 plants in less time than it takes in soil. Come to the fair to learn more about the numerous advantages of Tower Garden.

Other Green Events in May

At UCSF, Earth Day lives on past April.  Lee encourages students to check out these other exciting opportunities to learn more about LivingGreen in May:

  • May 7, noon–1 p.m., Rock Hall Auditorium: Daphne Miller will speak on her book Farmecology about food and health.
  • May 8-June 20 Book Drive:  Recycle or repurpose your serviceable books at the following libraries:  Parnassus – Kalmanovitz, Mt Zion - Fishbon, SFGH – Barnett-Briggs, or Rutter Center, Rm 150.
  • May 14, noon–2 p.m., Toland Hall:  Screening of Toxic Hot Seat, a movie about flame retardants and health, followed by discussion with Stanton Glantz.
  • May 30, 9 a.m.–noon, location TBD:  “Health and Sustainability Summit” with Jeffrey Thompson MD, CEO, Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems; Linda Rudolph, MD, Public Health Institute; and Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MS Program for Reproductive Health and the Environment.