There are some great free events coming up tomorrow, Thursday the 5th. These events are kicking off the Arizona State University Darwinfest. Check them out and head to all that you can. You do not need to be a student to participate and it sounds like there is some really cool stuff going on! Here is the e-mail I just received, note when an RSVP is required.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see a FREE showing of Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy and meet the film’s director!

ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability invites you to attend three public events, celebrating:

ASU’s Teach-In on Global Warming
Thursday, February 5, 2009
http://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/teachin
Take Action. Change the world. It starts with one.

National Webcast: The First 100 Days
Time: 8:30 - 11 AM
Location: GIOS 102
Hosts/Sponsors: GIOS, SOS, Engrained, Whole Foods, Tempe

Continental breakfast and viewing of “The First 100 Days,” a discussion of what needs to happen early in the Obama administration featuring David Orr, Hunter Lovins, Ray Anderson, and an interview with youth climate leaders Billy Parish, Wahleah Johns, and their baby Tohanna. They talk about the importance of student activism in the first 100 days; the potential impact of green jobs; and challenges facing today’s students.

The webcast is 30-minutes long and will be replayed the whole morning.

A Student Action
Time: 8:30 - 11 AM
Location: GIOS front steps
Hosts: Students of AZ Network for Sustainability (SANS)

Petitioning the Arizona Corporation Commission to increase the renewable energy standard for Arizona’s utilities, an important step towards energy independence.

Students Act Now for Sustainability
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: ASU Student Services Lawn
Hosts/Sponsors: GIOS, SANS, Chipotle, ASU environmental groups

When it comes to activism, the students at ASU are it. Sustainability is it. And it IS our time for change. February 5th presents a time for people to come together. It also presents a choice. Come out and stand. For your future, for your values, for your sustainability beliefs, and everything that is to come. Included: free food, action opportunities, and a Swiss energy display! The “Climate Trail” display, on loan from the Swiss Consulate, is a walk-through exhibit that is premiering on the Student Services Lawn and will be traveling around the ASU Tempe Campus through February 13th.

Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy (part of ASU’s Darwinfest) (RSVP required)
Time: 5 - 5:30 PM: Reception sponsored by Wholefoods Tempe and Engrained Restaurant
5:30 - 7:30 PM: Showing of Sizzle with post-film panel discussion led by the Filmmaker!
Location: Murdock Hall 201, ASU’s Tempe Campus (map)

Hosts/Sponsors: School of Life Sciences, Center for Biology and Society, GIOS, Institute for Humanities Research,

School of Earth and Space Exploration, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Whole Foods Tempe, Engrained Restaurant

Meet the Filmmaker! Free, but you must RSVP at: sustainabilityevents@asu.edu. Even with a reservation, seating is not guaranteed but is first-come, first-served! Sizzle, a novel blend of three genres-mockumentary, documentary, and reality: Scientist-turned-filmmaker Dr. Randy Olson, is a fan of Al Gore’s global-warming movie, but asks, “Where are all the scientists?” Join Dr. Olson for a reception before the film showing, and he and a panel of ASU experts for discussion following the movie, moderated by John D’Anna of The Arizona Republic. Panelists: Susanne Neuer (Associate Professor, SoLS) and Daniel Bernardi (Director, Film and Media Studies)

RSVPs are required for the film at sustainabilityevents@asu.edu; Trailer

Lauren Kuby
Manager, Events and Community Engagement
Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University
PO Box 875402, Tempe AZ 85287-5402
http://sustainability.asu.edu

image: rhettmaxwell

You might want to check out a new farmers market that is starting up near downtown Phoenix next weekend. There will be plenty of local artisans and vendors with locally grown food and handmade goods. Strawberry Hedgehog will be there so if you’ve ever wanted to try Tracy’s eco-friendly lotions and potions, this is the place to do it. With just a couple weeks until Valentines’ Day, I’m sure you will be able to find something locally made for your sweetie. Here’s the low down:

Farmer’s Market at Ticoz & Switch
beginning January 31st!

The farmer’s market will be held from 10am - 3pm every weekend; at Ticoz (5114 N 7th Street, North of Camelback) on Saturdays and Switch (2603 N Central Ave, on Virginia) on Sundays. The market will run all year long until April 18th!

This sounds like fun, will definitely have to check it out.

Meet representatives from student and local organizations, learn what’s going on in the community, and find out how you can get involved.

• Student Sustainability Fair, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Hayden Lawn
• Ed Hermes, ASU graduate and candidate for Maricopa County Supervisor, speaks about getting involved locally, 12 PM, Hayden Lawn
• Short Film Series, 6-8pm, GIOS 481

GIOS Events Calendar

Farm Sanctuary Fundraiser Dinner and Silent Auction
Friday, October 10th, 2008, 7pm-10pm
Historic Heritage Square, Lath House
115 N. 6th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004- Map
Download an event flyer

Money is tight and we have a thousand other things going on (don’t we all) but are making a point to be at this important event.  Remarkably I had never even heard of the Farm Sanctuary until I saw their California facility on an episode of 30 days. I was really struck by the concept of rescuing farm animals and knew there were small rescues but wasn’t aware of any with this breadth and organization.  While they have main locations in NY and LA they help animals all across the country, working hard at raising money and awareness to make changes and help those who cannot ask for help.  Even if you could care less about the animals welfare, if you are concerned about the environment you should support the Farm Sanctuary as they work to eliminate factory farming conditions which contribute hugely to the polluting the environment.

If you’ve ever wanted to try out my products, now is the time!  100% of the proceeds go to the Farm Sanctuary. I was blown away by that so let me say it again ONE HUNDRED PERCENT goes to the charity.  That means food is donated, silent auction items are donated, the location is paid for by donation, so the entire amount you pay goes to helping local animals.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly from AzVegan.com, the awesome lady putting together the fundraiser this year. I dropped off the basket of goodies with her.  I am amazed at how much of her own time and effort she has put into throwing this event.  It is so refreshing to meet people who care so much about giving back.  The basket is worth $85+ retail so check it out and place your bids, you might get a screaming deal and ALL of the money goes to charity. The basket includes the following items:

• Plush cow :c)
• Relaxation aromatherapy candle by Illuminations
• “good bye stress” Dead Sea bath salts (17oz)
  
• pure lemon bath & body oil (8oz)
• handmade soaps in the following scents: mochaccino, mintaccino, patchouli-orange, lime-eucalyptus (as seen made on 3TV Good Morning AZ), cucumber-wintergreen, peppermint, lemongrass-orange, pure lemon, lavender-lemongrass, and orange-spice.

This is going to be a fantastic event and James and I will be there. We hope to see you there, too!

Here is all the information you could ever need:

Tickets are just $35 per person and are selling quickly!  Your $35 includes dinner, drinks, silent auction, program, and music by the band, Elusive Groove!  Admission is limited to the first 200 people to purchase tickets.  Register online at http://www.firstgiving.com/azfarmparty Note-When you register on the Firstgiving page, it will show up as the Walk for Farm Animals page, but below it shows that it is for the Fundraiser party.

Please check out some of the wonderful items that we have received for our Silent Auction!!

• (2) Two Night Stays at Mi Gatita Bed & Breakfast- Valued at $300
• Rainwater Storage Unit- Donated by Roof to Ground Rainwater Services- $250 Value
• Legal Services to start a New Corporation- Donated by Titus, Brueckner, & Berry, PC- $1,200 Value
• Custom Pet Sitting- Donated by Joann West, Photographer- $350 Value
• Gift Certificate Packages- Donated by American Laser- $4,000 Value
• Dog Items from The Barkery-Value at over $50
• Bath & Body Gift Basket from Strawberry Hedgehog  (See Above)-$85 Value

We have many, many, amazing items to bid on this year!

There is truly something for everyone, or something for everyone you know!  Start your holiday shopping in October and benefit Farm Sanctuary while you shop!!

New This Year For Our Donors And Attendees!! A large part of the work of Farm Sanctuary is outreach to both individuals and other groups.  In an effort to promote networking with other local groups and businesses in Arizona, we are offering tabling opportunities to those interested.  We invite you to bring your mailing lists, materials, banners, and anything to promote your group or local business.  We do require that the item or services being promoted are animal friendly.  Also, since 100% of the proceeds from the Fundraiser Dinner and Silent Auction go to Farm Sanctuary, we will not be able to allow you to sell anything, but this is a great opportunity to network with other groups and individuals and reach out to a wide audience.  Please email azvegan@gmail.com if you are interested in reserving a space.  Space is limited, so reserve your space today!

Had a lot of fun this past weekend at the Green Summit and am glad we were able to attend. Too bad we couldn’t split in half and attend more of the talks. If I could change one thing for next year I’d ask that they put more information about the talks on the schedule such as who is giving the talk and where they are from etc.. If this information was out there I never came across it. All the talks were good, but some weren’t what I was expecting. All in all though it was great and I am now full of lots of good information. I especially liked the Expo and talking with all the exhibitors. It was great learning about their products and gaining better understanding of them.

Here’s a picture of our crew interviewing people at the ASU exhibit. Oh wait, that’s a real TV crew from some big network. We just had note pads and pens.

Anyway, we have lots of great information that we’ll be blogging about over the next few weeks. Can’t wait until the next Green Summit!