Earth Day: More than just recycling

Students at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield got a chance to get outside on Friday and make some fire, eat organic pizza, get their hands full of garbage and learn how the sun can heat their bath water.

Unity College student Anthony Pono blows on smoldering wood shavings in a fire-starting demonstration.
David Leaming/Morning Sentinel

The students gathered in small groups across the Pittsfield campus to learn about sustainability from Unity College students.

Three dozen workshops covered topics such as composting and recycling, medicinal plants, solar vehicles and heating, and mapping.

Those workshops and improv skits were led by 40 volunteers from the nearby environmental college.

"Our objective is to create awareness of sustainability and celebrate Earth Day," co-organizer Alicia Billman said in a press release. "This day will give students a broader perspective of what sustainability is, rather than just recycling and composting. It is most definitely a way of life."