"It is a celebration more than anything," Stoner (junior-media studies) said. She added that several popular bands, including Dr. Naqleus and Brothers Past, will perform.
Attendees will also hear a highly anticipated speech by Derrick Jensen, a renowned environment activist.
Tom Connolly, drummer of Dr. Naqleus, said he is looking forward to Jensen's speech because Jensen has published several influential books.
"It is important to bring environmental issues to a more conscious level," Connolly (senior-marketing) said.
Stoner said she envisions Jensen's speech will speak to the hearts of all people.
The new Earth Day location also embodies the self-sustained yurt, or traditional Mongolian dwelling, which houses Dave Lettero, manager of the Center for Sustainability.
The yurt demonstrates alternative heating sources by means of solar and wind power, Stoner said. And his bathroom is connected to a living machine, which exploits bacteria and small plants instead of chemicals to remove pollutants from the dirty water, Cowley said.
"We are not saying everyone should live in a yurt, but if they did half of what Dave does, they'd be in good shape environmentally," Stoner said.
Even trivial changes that hardly affect our lifestyles help the Earth, Stoner said. For example, growing a garden sacrifices little time but harvests huge benefits, because the food will not have to travel thousands of miles just to reach the kitchen -- saving loads of fuel along the way, she said.
Students can also gather methods to reduce their ecological footprints by observing the "Great OutDorm." In essence, a replica of a dorm room -- complete with the typical electrical appliances -- will be assembled outdoors and attached to a solar array, coupled with written facts proving how much energy is saved by using solar power, Cowley said.
Stoner likened the demonstration to the prevailing health lesson when the teacher presents pictures of blackened lungs to the students. It is crucial for people realize their health is inextricably related to the health of the Earth, Stoner added.
Last week, residents of Beijing were urged to remain indoors because the city was cloaked in an amber fog.
Although America is the only country in the world that emits even more greenhouse gases than China, the Bush administration has adamantly chosen not to sign the Kyoto Protocol, designed to reduce these toxic gases.
"Almost every other developed nation [besides America] has signed the Kyoto Protocol, and America contributes the most to the problem," Stoner said. "People don't want to recognize what is happening so they keep finding excuses."
But Stoner still strives to find the promising bits of blue skies eclipsed by the cynical smog of yellows.
"I wouldn't be involved [with environmental issues] if I didn't feel there was hope," she said.
Hamilton, guitarist and vocalist for Brothers Past, said the inspiration gathered in events like Earth Day should never be overlooked. "Even if only a small percentage of people walk away with a changed attitude, it is still a percentage that will only grow," he said.
