Around 40 people gathered on the first-floor patio of Kenneth E. Peacock Hall at Appalachian State University today for a ribbon-cutting at the solar charging picnic tables. The bystanders were treated to fruit, juice, as well as smoothies made using bicycle-powered blenders. The ribbon-cutting for the tables — which were installed in February — coincides with the campus’ Earth Month celebrations.

The Appalachian Community is known for being united in doing important work to affect the future in positive ways. Three major events in April — Climate Justice Month, Earth Month and the Diversity Celebration — highlight Appalachian State University’s commitment to inspiring students to become engaged citizens who make a difference in the world and who care for the planet and its people. The discussions, films, community activities and other experiences scheduled as part of these events explore themes of sustainability, and diversity of thought, belief and community.

Called the Global Peacebuilding Project (GPP), Appalachian’s initiative brings continuity to the U.N. Diversity Contest conducted in 2015-16, in which 10 college students (undergraduate and graduate) from around the world were given 20,000 euros each to implement their creative proposals to address sexism, racism, religious conflict, homophobia and other biases in their home communities.