Earth Day is rising one month early at the College of New Caledonia.
Everything from composting tips to the benefits of solar heat will be topics of discussion around the 20 display booths set up today from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the CNC atrium as the college unveils its first Sustainablility Showcase.
"We want to showcase some of the things in our community where people can make a difference," said Tammy Barker, Sustainability Showcase organizer. "There are so many green things we can do from recycling cardboard and tin cans to electronics, paint and chemicals. Even shopping locally can have an impact."
Among the exhibitors will be the David Douglas Botanical Society, Sew North Goods, REAPS (Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society), The Green Sheep - Natural Baby & Family, and the Prince George Farmers' Market.
CNC has taken a lead in launching some green initiatives of its own, including a solar heating project at the student residence, which started gathering heat in August 2011. CNC's new technical education centre off 18th Avenue has solar collectors that provide hot water. On sunny days when extra solar power is available, it can be used to heat the building.
Starting in September, the building that houses the college's heavy duty mechanics program will begin accepting donations of used oil and antifreeze from the community.
"This is all about what we as individuals and the college community is doing and we need to share that information," said Barker. "There is probably even more that we could do too."
