Two days of documentaries, discussion, presentations and food were a part of the fourth annual Boost your Eco Festival at St. Thomas over the weekend.
The festival is organized by St. Thomas’s Students for Sustainability.
Organizers said the goal was to inform, engage, inspire and excite others about sustainable ideas that both make a difference and are easy to do.
This year’s theme was Earth, with a focus on mining, composting and agriculture, pollution and other environmental issues. Several documentaries were shown, including ‘Under Rich Earth’ and ‘Manufacture Landscapes.’
Some of the group even took some time to attend the Save NB Power Rally at the Legislature.
Julianne Butt, co-ordinator of Students for Sustainability, and one of several organizers of Boost Your Eco! said showing documentaries is a way to engage both the STU and Fredericton communities.
“We talk about the issues, and above all, learn. There are a wide variety of issues we cover, and environmental issues are connected to so many others,” she said. “Our intention is to communicate with people on a level where they really are thinking about each step that they take.”
Butt has always been an outdoors enthusiast. However, she got involved in sustainable projects because she felt they encompass a very broad spectrum of issues.
“You can’t really take on any issue by yourself. You must rely on other people, and they rely on you.”
Lawrence Wuest, an ecologist from Stanley, spoke on the Sisson Brook Mine. He has been opposed to the mine since its proposal in April of 2008. His presentation drew a good group, and was followed by some discussion.
Marylynn Cote, another organizer of the event, felt this was worthwhile.
Everything went smoothly, and the people who did come seemed to enjoy themselves,” she said. “The main thing is we want to show people it is easy to live their lives sustainably, in a fun and delicious way.”
She was referring to the breakfast the group hosted on Saturday. All the food was donated by the local community, and included local sausages, apple crisp, waffles, apple cider, potatoes and syrup.
There was also fair trade coffee and tea served all day.
In the end, the food was all gone, which left organizers believing they had a pretty good turnout.
Cote hopes the event brought awareness.
“It’s fun to organize. The environment affects everything and everyone. It’s all connected. The pillar of social justice is built within it too,” she said.
Students for Sustainability have 10-15 active members, with several others helping when they can. The group began in 2006.
