While the sixth annual Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair moved to The Ohio Union’s West Plaza because of construction, the core goals of promoting recycling, spreading awareness and educating students on the benefits of going green remained the same.
Held Oct. 14, the fair was organized by Students for Recycling to showcase green-friendly businesses and organizations in Columbus to the Ohio State community. There were more than 300 students that attended the event with 27 different booths from the Columbus area.
“The businesses here have put time and money into being here to make not just their business, but Columbus a better place,” said Rachel Frantz, event coordinator.
Among the businesses that attended were Price Farms Organics, supporters of the Zero Waste initiative at Ohio Stadium.
“We are here to educate students on what we can and cannot use for compost,” said Tricia Kalmar, a Price Farms Organics representative.
Other organizations, such as Frywise, came to the event to make students aware of what OSU currently is not doing to help the environment and to garner support for a petition to require recycled cooking oil for campus transportations.
Vance Nation, a representative from Frywise Inc, represented his company at the event.
“It will help the campus be more green, cut down expenses, and keep tuition down,” Nation said.
Taylor Greely, a student intern representative from the a recycling company, Rumpke, stressed the importance of educating students on recycling.
“Recycling is something students are interested in, but just don’t know how to go about it,” Greely said.
“That is why I am here today, to tell them how to start recycling and how easy it is.
“If we come to them, then I think we can get more students to recycle.”
Free food, shirts and music were provided to attract students. Some said they were pleasantly surprised by how much they learned from the organizations.
“I was first caught off guard by the loud music, and saw the free stuff, but after talking to the organizations, I realized that my roommates and I need to be more eco-friendly,” said Jaclyn Kirsch, a fourth-year in psychology.
“We throw out cans on the yard for the homeless people, but just by turning off the lights and taking faster showers, we can save money and help our house be more green,” Kirsch said.
Tayler Varner, a second-year in athletic training, agreed.
“It’s important for our next generation and for our world to be more aware of the environment,” Varner said. “I think our world is beautiful and I want everyone to enjoy it.”
