Twenty-five University organizations are staking out the Tate Plaza today to celebrate the global tradition of Earth Day.

The all-day event, themed “It’s SO Easy Being Green,” will educate students on the importance of sustainable living and recycling at the University, said Cameron King, a senior from Augusta. King heads the committee that organized the event, which is part of a public relations campaign class promoting sustainability in the community.

At the Tate Plaza, students will be able to participate in games and educational activities on different ways to live green. There will also be live music, free prizes and food.

At noon, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Heidi Davison will speak about the collaboration between the University and ACC recycling and what students can do to get more involved, King said. Davison recently was elected to the University’s Go Green Alliance board, which is sponsoring the event in conjunction with the Physical Plant Division.

“I think it’s really important that students are aware what’s going on in their campus and community,” said Emily Karol, a sophomore from Marietta, who is the event’s coordinator for Students for Environmental Awareness. “Earth Day is a venue for that.”

She said students who attend can learn how to become involved with local efforts to protect the environment and learn the correct ways to live green.

A panel of sustainability experts will gather for a discussion in the Miller Learning Center in room 146 at 6:30 p.m., said Monica Padman, a senior from Duluth involved in planning the event.

The University’s Public Relations Sustainability campaign class – taught by journalism professor Lynne Sallot – and Go Green Alliance are sponsoring the forum.

The panelists will discuss ways people can lessen their environmental impact, Padman said. Food, refreshments and free prizes will be available.

“We want to get a lot of people out there because it really is an important issue, especially with showing how students can make a difference, and it’s good to be aware of ways to be green in our everyday life,” Padman said.

The Georgia Review also will celebrate Earth Day in conjunction with a launch party of its spring edition at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, said David Ingle, assistant editor for the Review.

“The spring edition has a special focus on nature and writing,” Ingle said.

World famous poet Coleman Barks, a retired University professor known for his translations of Rumi, will read from his work.

The event also will feature a brief reading from poet Alice Friman and local artist Terry Rowlett will have his paintings displayed.

Attendants will have a chance to speak with the artists personally, Rowlett said, while enjoying free food and music.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 at 2450 S. Milledge Ave.