LSU Hosts Third Annual Alternative Earth Day

The Ecological Conservation Organization at Louisiana State University, or ECO@LSU, part of the Sierra Student Coalition, hosted its third annual Alternative Earth Day on the university's main campus in Baton Rouge. Above, LSU student Danielle Sholly staffs a booth for the Sierra Club's Baton Rouge Group. Below, former student activist and current Baton Rouge Group Outings Chair Cameron Walker signs a Save Our Cypress petition.

ECO@LSU began sponsoring its own Earth Day as a grassroots alternative to the corporate-sponsored "official" Earth Day in Baton Rouge, which many people felt suffered from greenwashing. "The official Earth Day in Baton Rouge is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Exxon-Mobil," says local Sierra Club leader Jeffrey Dubinsky. "The LSU event strikes me as closer to the original spirit of Earth Day—people appreciating what they have and trying to protect the earth for future generations by raising awareness and empowering individuals."

This year ECO@LSU expanded Alternative Earth Day from a one-day festival to a week-long educational outreach program focused on sustainability and living simply. Panels discussed issues such as wetland loss, alternative fuels, air quality, and recycling, and supporting events covered topics like global health, environmental economics, bicycling, and gardening. The week culminated on Friday, April 18, with a day of music, art, and activism. Below, LSU student Katie Peterson enjoys the festivities.

All photographs by Jeffrey Dubinsky.