Ecofest Addresses Today’s Environmental Hurdles

Environmentally-forward and interested community members looking for ways to address today’s environmental hurdles found out how they can contribute to solutions at the second annual Ecofest at Cal State San Bernardino last Friday. Live entertainment and carnival games were mixed with ecological and health information panels, with supporters like Toyota in attendance, showcasing the company’s hybrid vehicle line and providing attendees with reusable bags and water bottles. “We’re trying to bring local partners and community organizations in to show people who want to makes some kind of change how to be a little more eco-friendly,” said Ecofest Chair Tess Webster-Henry. The carnival games aided Webster-Henry in teaching the public how to be eco-friendly in a fun and informative way. One such carnival game was a basketball shootout with a twist: the volunteers would take a piece of waste and the player had to choose whether to recycle or throw it away by shooting a basketball into the corresponding basket. Webster-Henry commented, “It’s our throwaway culture. We’re used to convenience … A little bit of awareness and a little bit of thought can make a big difference.” The main stage was the center of attendees’ attention, sporting solar panels to power all of the sound equipment for the live entertainment. A mix of local bands and a performance from a poet duo hailing from Brooklyn, Climbing PoeTree, were in attendance. The CSUSB Active Minds student club also provided information on healthy living, ranging from cancer awareness to meditation. “To care about the environment, you must care about yourself. Start within, then outside yourself,” said student volunteer Cassidy Fink. Ecofest committee members hope to make this event an annual one, where they can bring their message of environmental protection and suggested solutions to the ecological problems of today.