Davis College
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Need to go grocery shopping this weekend? Want to learn how to add a little more “green” to your trip?

West Virginia University’s Society for Environmental Professionals is hosting “Go for the Groceries” from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Hazel Ruby-McQuain Riverfront Park.

Instead of driving to the grocery store, participants in the event will utilize Morgantown’s Rails to Trails and walk, run, bike or skate to Aldi’s on Don Knotts Boulevard or Kroger in Sabraton to do their shopping.

Suzy Lucas, an environmental protection major in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences and club treasurer, said the idea is to promote living a more sustainable lifestyle.

“Through this event we are giving people the opportunity to learn what exactly they can do and how they can start doing their part to reduce ozone depletion and shrink their carbon footprint,” she said. “The solution starts with individuals, moves to communities and keeps going up the chain on an ever-growing scale. One person can make the world of difference through influencing others.”

Registration is $10 with all proceeds benefiting Positive Spin, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching individuals how to make better use of shared public transportation resources. The first 50 entrants will received a $5 rechargeable Kroger gift card.

While bringing back the heaviest grocery bags isn’t the event’s objective, whoever does so won’t go unrecognized.

“They’ll get a certificate showing that they are taking steps toward a sustainable lifestyle and one of our door prizes,” Lucas said. “After the event the groceries will go home with each participant. We want people to feel accomplished and enjoy the groceries that they put forth so much effort to get.”

Sustainable living isn’t just for adults – kids are encouraged to participate as well.

“Children will have the option of completing a five-k to ‘go get the mail’ where they will receive a children’s environmental packet,” she said.

Refreshments will be served and several local bands will perform.

Early registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit WVU Society of Environmental Professionals or Positive Spin.