Essays and posters from local high school and college students that focus on environmental justice issues are welcomed for the Fifth Annual Earth Day Environmental Justice Conference planned for the Kent State Columbiana County Campus at East Liverpool on Saturday, April 24. Organizers note that a wide variety of subjects could include but is not limited to maintaining a sustainable community, grass roots organizing, water quality, issues in waste disposal, heavy metal exposure, alternative energy, liquid fuels, alternative fuels, and obtaining and maintaining a quality food supply.

Three categories exist for essays: science-based essays, academic essays from a humanities or social science perspective, and creative essays that explore a personal connection to the environment. Essays should be approximately eight pages and a works cited page should be attached. Essays should have a cover sheet with the title of the essay, an identification number and contact information. The writer’s name should not appear on the essay. All essays will be presented at the conference and gathered into a conference proceedings published by the campus.

Posters will be presented at the conference. All posters should be focused on a single topic, mounted on triptych boards, should be self-explanatory, and accompanied with a brief paper that also provides citations for the images.

In addition to the papers presented, speakers include Lance Schmidt, a Certified Green Building Professional and President of the Portage and Summit Counties Home Builders Association; Stephen Briggs who will speak about electric transportation technologies and who is a technology advisor for FirstEnergy Group; Chip Kohser, owner of Stateline Feed and Country Store whose interest in growing and marketing good local food spurred the development of his business; and Mark Thomas, whose winning record as a race car driver and proponent of the use of ethanol has brought him sponsors from the Ohio, Michigan, and South Dakota Corn Growers.

Essays for the contest should be emailed to Dr. Patti Swartz: pswartz@kent.edu. Questions can also be directed to Dr. Swartz. Posters set-up will be the day of the conference.