Â鶹ÊÓƵ celebrates Energy Awareness Month with solar-powered smoothies
The newly formed Â鶹ÊÓƵ Sustainability Advisory Committee recently partnered with Â鶹ÊÓƵ Green Squad and Schneider Electric to celebrate Energy Awareness Month with a tasty twist: smoothies powered by solar panels. 
The solar-powered smoothies, provided by Schneider Electric, used blenders powered by the sun to serve as a reminder of the importance of implementing sustainable practices on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ campus.
“Schneider Electric’s ‘solar smoothies’ event that was hosted recently on Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s campus was more than just a refreshing treat; it was a blend of innovation and sustainability, energizing the minds of university students while spotlighting the power of renewable energy,” Schneider Electric Sr. Energy Solutions Specialist Debra Jones said. “This initiative during Energy Awareness Month is a testament to our commitment to educating and engaging the next generation in creating a greener, healthier future.”
Students, faculty and staff who were near the Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 16 got to try out a few different flavors of the sustainable smoothies, with ingredients such as strawberries, peaches, bananas, and apple juice. 
“At Schneider Electric, we believe that collaboration with academic institutions such as Â鶹ÊÓƵ during October (Energy Awareness Month) is vital,” Jones said. “It’s an opportunity to combine our expertise with the vibrant energy of university communities to foster a culture of sustainability that can resonate far beyond campus borders.”
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Sustainability Advisory Committee and Â鶹ÊÓƵ Green Squad were in attendance, providing reusable bags and healthy snacks to students.
“It is the duty of each one of us to protect the earthly wellness of our beautiful environment and community,” Shawntaul Thompson, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Sustainability Advisory Committee member, said. “Actively becoming aware of alternative resources promotes longevity in sustainability.” 
To learn more about Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s commitment to sustainability, including community recycling dates and much more, visit /sustainability/index.html.