Onion-bag netting, bottle caps and beer boxes are items you would normally expect to see in the trash. However, some students at the University of Nevada, Reno will be donning outfits made from these materials during the campus’ “Go Green With Nevada Blue” event, Oct. 27 – 29 at the Joe Crowley Student Union.

“The students are putting on a ‘Trashion Show,’ wearing recycled goods, as part of our ‘Go Green’ event to help build a sustainable campus,” says Jennifer Huntleysmith, associate director of Academics and Outreach for the University’s Academy for the Environment.

The three-day event will kick off with a presentation at 2:30 p.m., Oct. 27, at the Joe Crowley Student Union (JCSU) by Tom Price, director and founder of Black Rock Solar and environmental manager of the annual, Labor Day-weekend Burning Man event. Black Rock Solar donated the solar panel that helps provide energy for the Joe Crowley Student Union.

“He is a very engaging and entertaining speaker,” Huntleysmith says. Price will talk about the challenges society faces on energy and climate issues and some promising solutions. After his presentation, there will be a panel discussion focusing on what the campus can do to be more sustainable. Huntleysmith defines sustainability as people’s capacity to conduct their lives while maintaining resources for future generations.

“As more people become familiar with the concept, we can take real strides to becoming a more sustainable campus,” she says. “We’ve already taken some steps, such as installing recycling sorters, the solar panel and permeable pavers at the new student union.”

However, Huntleysmith says the goal is to engage every individual in the sustainability effort.

The University is becoming increasingly involved in efforts to protect resources and the environment for future generations. Last spring, President Milton Glick enrolled the University as one of the charter signatories to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The coalition is committed to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases created on college campuses and supporting more sustainable, climate-neutral practices on its campuses.

Other “Go Green With Nevada Blue” event activities include:

:: an open-air market of vendors promoting or using “green” practices, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Oct. 28-29, on the JCSU Plaza, a fundraiser for the student Environmental Action Team (EnAcT)

:: two films: Who Killed the Electric Car, 7 p.m., Oct. 27; and Erin Brockovich, 7 p.m., Oct. 28

:: the “Trashion Show” at 4 p.m., Oct. 29, on the JCSU Plaza

:: performances by area bands, 2-7 p.m., Oct. 29, on the JCSU Plaza

:: an exhibit of art created from recycled items by preschool children enrolled in the University’s Child and Family Research Center, 5 p.m., Oct. 27

For more information, call the University’s Academy for the Environment, (775) 784-8262.