The Council for Sustainability at SCAD

Are you interested in learning more about SCAD’s new Master of Arts degree in design for sustainability? Join faculty and staff to learn more about this exciting new graduate program. An interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. in Room 122 of the Gulfstream Center for Furniture and Industrial Design, 3116 Montgomery St.,

Applications are still being accepted for Fall 2009. For more information, contact Liz Koomler at 912-525-5923.

Savannah Earth Day Festival events include the RecycleRama, 8-11 a.m., when people can drop off difficult-to-recycle items such as tires, electronics and paint cans. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Earth-friendly and easy-on-the-pocketbook activities include educational exhibitions; free classes on composting, green parenting and building a rain barrel; free eco-friendly prizes; and free live entertainment (all using solar-powered amplification systems).

Visit the SCAD Sustainability Council table and silkscreen your own shirt! The table will be open all afternoon and silkscreens will be set up, courtesy of Working Class Studio, for the “Bring Your Own Shirt” event. Students can also learn about the new interdisciplinary program on sustainability at SCAD.

At 3 p.m. the popular Savannah Wheelie Earth Day Bike Ride will depart from the South end of Forsyth Park and conclude at Blowin’ Smoke BBQ.

SCAD students who are currently enrolled in classes, and recent winter quarter graduates are encouraged to participate in the Spring 2009 “Eat Local Savannah” poster campaign hosted by Local 11 Ten.

Local 11 Ten will post three posters to the Web site and a link for community members to vote for their favorite design Monday, May 11. Contestants may use whatever means possible, including social media groups, event boards and blog posts to drive viewers to vote online. Local 11 Ten will host a reception May 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. to announce the winning design and official “Eat Local Savannah” poster. The winning designer will take home a $150 cash prize, a complimentary dinner for two at Local 11 Ten, and a printed poster of his or her design.

Entry deadline is May 8. For more information, e-mail kprovost@greenolivemedia.com.

Last year, the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority, in cooperation with Chatham Area Transit, the City of Savannah, the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, Pedestrian Advocates of the Coastal Empire and the SCAD Sustainability Council sponsored a series of monthly “Dump the Pump” events designed to encourage people to leave their cars behind and get to work by bus, bike, skateboard or feet.

Dump the Pump has been on hiatus, but returns this week with a focus on bicycle commuting. This time the Savannah Bicycle Campaign and the City of Savannah have teamed up with Jittery Joe’s Coffee (conveniently located in SCAD’s Ex Libris Bookstore) to organize a group commute and coffee break in Davant Park. Full details are available here.

Past Dump the Pump Events have attracted plenty of Participation and media attention. Last year, the Savannah Morning News reported about Dump the Pump on April 16, on  April 18, on April 19, on May 15 and on Oct. 4.

In case you missed out on this year’s teach in, check out these videos from the event: