For more than three decades, every April 22 has been set aside as Earth Day. Earth Day is observed in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries as a day to raise environmental awareness and take a stand to protect the Earth.   Recently, Fort Lewis College took its stand for climate neutrality when FLC President Brad Bartel signed the “American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.” The signing was a culminating event from Fort Lewis College’s celebration of Earth Week during the first week of April.   The commitment states that “we believe colleges and universities must exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society by modeling ways to minimize global warming emissions, and by providing the knowledge and the educated graduates to achieve climate neutrality.”   Additionally, the commitment charges colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality and initiate a list of suggested climate-friendly actions. Two of these actions that Fort Lewis is currently working on are (1) “establishing a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or equivalent,” and (2) “adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.”   For more information on the “American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment,” visit http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.   One Planet Party Fundraiser at Carver Brewing Company The Fort Lewis College Environmental Center is also celebrating Earth Day with its annual spring fundraiser at Carver Brewing Company. From 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22nd, the restaurant will be closed for business, but open to the public for the Center’s One Planet Party.   The event includes a local trivia contest, a “sustainable” silent auction with prizes that won’t generate waste such as classes, consultations, and outdoor trips, and a chili cook-off. Prizes will be awarded for Durango’s Best Earth Day chili, Best Vegetarian Recipe, Best Carnivore Recipe, and Best Global Warming Hot Recipe. Chili cooks get a discount off the cover.   Local favorites Formula 151 will perform from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and play tracks from their recently released double album Yesterday’s Tomorrow. The Durango Telegraph says about the band, “Heavily influenced by the long heritage of singer/songwriters, as well as the cutting-edge rock bands of today, Formula 151 takes its listeners on a melodic and lyrical journey…”   The band includes singer/songwriter Dave Mensch, Katherine Tischhauser (cello, electric cello), Mike Kornelson (bass), and Steve Dejka (percussion) and Ross Martin (lead guitar).   Bank of the San Juans is the lead sponsor for this year’s event and information will be available on their green checking account and other environmental efforts. Proceeds from the event, including a portion of beer sales, will go to support the Fort Lewis College Environmental Center. Now in its 17th year, the Center works on campus and in the community to create a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone in the region.   Tickets are $5 for students and chili cooks, $8 for the general public. For more information and advance tickets call the Environmental Center at 247-7676.     ###