On Sept. 27, 2007, “networking” was the unexpected buzzword on the lips of environmental activists in Claremont. Environmentally conscious groups from across the consortium showcased their environmental efforts and made connections with other organizations during the educational eco-fair, Earth to Claremont. The fair offered food, entertainment, education, and inspiration to interested students.

The quirky folk ensemble by the name “Don’t Mother Me,” consisting of members of the Claremont Folk Music Center, provided lively entertainment for the event. Barbeque-style dining was provided by Harvey-Mudd dining services for the regular meal price.

Environmental clubs, projects, researchers and anyone else with an interest vaguely environmental, reserved booths for the event where they exhibited posters to educate students and network with each other. The fair was a microcosm embodied the environmental movement’s incredibly diversity with scientists, educators, artists, hikers, farmers, volunteers, corporations, and government programs all taking part in the event. Both the Claremont Colleges and the community were well-represented.

Harvey-Mudd professor Paul Steinberg, who organized Earth to Claremont, said, “I was excited by the fact that there were such diverse displays out there. When you have a visual artist, Rachael Mayeri, at the same event as Southern California Edison and the Air Quality Management District that really says a lot.”

Steinberg, who also led this summer’s sustainability audit of the 5C’s, wanted to throw one high-profile event to get together environmental activists from across the colleges and the community. “My hope is that it will help to encourage new sorts of partnerships across campuses and inspire more students to incorporate environmental themes into their lives and work.”

Claire O’Hanlon (HMC ’09) one of several students who had internships with the Claremont Colleges Sustainability Audit, 2007 said “I think this is really exciting because it’s the first wave of real commitment from a lot of people.”

“I think it’s a great way to get the word out about sustainability, because food makes people go to stuff,” Lauren Baranowski (HMC ’09), a fellow sustainability audit intern, said.

Harvey Mudd professor Bob Schaffer who attended the event said, “I thought it was a good idea because emails kind of float by. This way we get spoon-fed information.” “We realized there was so much going on at the Claremont Colleges we didn’t know about,” said engineering major Claire O’Hanlon (HMC ‘09). “People really don’t care, but people are starting to. People are starting to say ‘Oh, that sustainability deal. Right on, my friends are working on that.”