'Sustival' to celebrate community, sustainability solutions


band Huckleberry performs at Sustival 2014

Arizona State University, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, is hosting the Sustival, a community celebration of sustainability solutions, Feb. 21 at Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix. The event asks attendees to reimagine how one person, one community or one organization can positively impact our future.

The Sustival is the culminating event of the 2015 Sustainability Solutions Festival, a program of ASU’s Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives.

“We organized the Sustival not only to shed light on sustainability challenges, but to also celebrate and acknowledge those who are tackling them head-on,” said Kelly Saunders, program manager for the Sustainability Solutions Festival. “The Sustival brings together the community to learn how to have less impact on the environment, support an equitable economy and promote a prosperous society.”

Featured organizations at the Sustival include the city of Phoenix, Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Goodwill of Central Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Zoo, Liberty Wildlife, Local First Arizona and more. ASU’s Institute of Humanities Research will host its “Weight of the World” art gallery, featuring works that passionately reflect on and examine the future of this planet. Live music will be provided by local bands There is Danger, Bears of Manitou and Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra. Electric vehicles by BMW, Tesla, Nissan, Chevy and Ford will be on display.

New this year, the Sustival will feature a Makers’ Space where local artists, designers and innovators will display their work and provide live demos. Lindsay Kinkade, founder of Design Republic, will host her Mobile Studio at the Sustival.

“We’re excited to ‘make’ and envision the next version of Phoenix with Sustival attendees,” said Kinkade. “At the Mobile Studio, people of all ages will get to create, build, prototype and reimagine what they think a city like Phoenix should look like and do. It’s a fun way to find and share new ideas for the future.”

There will be plenty of interactive exhibits and workshops at the Sustival, too. Local master gardener Tina Shepard will share her tips on growing your own garden. Area bike organizations will demonstrate how to properly fit helmets and commute safely. And the Valley Permaculture Alliance will showcase garden edibles for the Southwest.

Before it all begins, join the kick-off bike parade with the city of Phoenix at 2:30 p.m. Free bike helmets will be available for children 15 and under while supplies last, provided by Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The Sustival is set to begin at 4 p.m., at Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave. Admission is free, but clothing, electronics and shoe donations for Goodwill of Central Arizona are welcome. Visit sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu/sustival for more information.

Media Contact:
Jason Franz, Jason.Franz@asu.edu
480-727-4072