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University Illuminates Holiday Lights During Bike Energy Challenge
University Illuminates Holiday Lights During Bike Energy Challenge
Published 12-12-13
Submitted by OLD DO NOT USE EARTH University
In the first event of its kind, on November 21-22, more than 600 students, faculty, staff and friends of EARTH University illuminated 1,600 tree lights for 24 consecutive hours using only pedal power and their holiday spirit. The lights decorating the towering Jacaranda tree on the University’s tropical campus symbolized the dreams of EARTH’s students for 2014.
A custom structure was built for the event to connect 10 bicycles to a central axle that turned a generator. From 6:00 p.m. on November 21 to 6:00 p.m. on November 22, riders pedaled to generate the power required to light up the tree. A total of 615 participants biked in shifts during the 24-hour event, with an average speed of four miles per hour and a maximum speed of 14 miles per hour. During the activity, riders produced an approximate total of 15 kilowatt hours of energy.
The event garnered national attention in Costa Rica, including the participation of Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, who rode one of the ten bicycles on November 22.
EARTH University Provost Daniel Sherrard said of the event, “It was incredible to see everyone join together for a single cause, and the people who came were delighted with the novelty of the idea. While it was a symbolic event, it also exemplifies EARTH’s commitment to sustainability and to reducing the world’s carbon footprint.”
The event was recorded and transformed into EARTH’s 2013 holiday card, which can be viewed at: www.earth.ac.cr/illuminate.
About EARTH University
Since 1990, EARTH University’s innovative educational approach has been preparing young people from Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and construct a prosperous and just society. EARTH offers a rigorous four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management and a prestigious, international faculty, providing a world-class education that emphasizes science and technology, values, ethical entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment. Students graduate from EARTH with a licenciatura degree in the Agricultural Sciences, which is between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree of science. For more information, visit www.earth.ac.cr.
About EARTH University Foundation
EARTH University Foundation was formed to support the educational vision of Costa Rica-based EARTH University through generous gifts from the global community and other programs and initiatives. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Tax-deductible contributions through EARTH University Foundation will help to provide a quality agricultural and entrepreneurial education to future leaders who would not otherwise have such opportunities. To give a gift to EARTH through the EARTH University Foundation, visit www.earth.ac.cr.
OLD DO NOT USE EARTH University
OLD DO NOT USE EARTH University
Since 1990, EARTH University’s innovative educational approach has been preparing young people from Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and construct a prosperous and just society. EARTH offers a rigorous four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management and a prestigious, international faculty, providing a world-class scientific and technological education that emphasizes values, ethical entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment.
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