Everybody loves the concept of sustainability. They want to do their part, and the chance to say they’ve contributed to the well-being our of planet.

But what does that actually mean?

Arizona State University’s efforts to bring about a more sustainable society are leading by example. And though this happens year-round, ASU also celebrates these efforts throughout the month of April in honor of Earth Day on the 25th.

“Sustainability isn’t a side project or a tip of the hat once a year,” said Jason Marmon, a growth and engagement associate with ASU’s Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine. “It’s a culture, it’s a commitment, and it’s a compass going into the future.”

Marmon is catalyzing an evening of music, community and clean-tech networking as part of an Earth Day celebration this year called Earth Day Amplified.

Hosted by the Carbon Council student organization, Earth Day Amplified takes place on April 19 and marks the start of the multiphase concert series, bringing together students, sustainability leaders and the community to celebrate the power of collective action toward a better future.

“ASU has held Earth Day celebrations before, but the entertainment and social connectivity piece is something that could use a different perspective, a different lens to look through,” said Marmon, who was a former concert and community-event organizer before going back to college to pursue concurrent master’s degrees in innovation and venture development, and applied sustainability solutions.

“Music is the universal language bringing people together. We might not always agree on everything politically or philosophically, but we can all enjoy music together.”

The one-day celebration at ASU’s Student Pavilion starts at 4 p.m. with a student networking event and caps off with a 7:30 p.m. headlining concert by Las Vegas band the Ikons of Rock, who will be performing ‘90s rock covers.

Other events include a 5 p.m. sustainability program, which will include guest speakers, tabling and exhibits, and networking opportunities with organizations and community leaders in partnership with nonprofit AZ CleanTech.

Earth Day Amplified is funded through a grant by ASU’s University Affairs Committee.

“The process of choosing this event was a bit different than our normal process,” said James Driscoll, co-chair of the University Affairs Committee and a student senator for The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Typically, individual students come to us with event ideas, but this time around, it was a network of student group organizations who wanted us to sponsor this Earth Day concert.”

Driscoll said the students planned the event so well, the committee didn’t have to think too long and hard about what they were going to do.

“First of all, a concert to celebrate Earth Day is a fun idea,” Driscoll said. “It’s also a great mixing event that will include student initiatives and organizations with community partners; it’s exactly the type of thing our committee wants to promote.”

Other events going on this month

• Earth Day Signature Events: Browse the offerings — from adopt-a-plant events to sustainability walking tours and lectures by topic experts.
• Earth Day Walk: Join University Sustainability Practices in partnership with SRP for the free ASU Earth Day Walk at Mountain America Stadium. This unique celebration of sustainability includes a 1.5-mile or 3-mile option, depending on walker preference. Register here.
• Spark Change: Join ASU’s Parks, Recreation and Sport Management Outdoor Connection Program and explore how environmental health and human well-being are deeply connected. The weeklong lineup includes film screenings, gardening and painting sessions, resume-building forums, outdoor games, a Salt River float cleanup and a DIY eco-adventure day. 
• Learn the history of Earth Day: Click through a timeline of the major sustainability milestones for each year that Earth Day has been observed on ASU’s Earth Month website.
• Seeds of Sustainability: Learn about sustainability in this interactive, self-paced training in 60 minutes or less. Receive a certificate upon completion. Available to students and employees.
• Reduce and reuse: Learn about recycling, composting and “Ditch the Dumpster” on campus through Zero Waste.
• Staff Green Devil certification training: Search “Green Devil” in Career EDGE and discover opportunities for action and engagement. Learn about ASU’s eight sustainability initiatives and the departments leading the charge. Email Susan Norton, Sustainability Practices program manager, to join or ask questions.
• Sustainability certifications: Is your office green certified? Enroll in the Sustainability Recognition Program and learn how you can make your office space more sustainable.
• Band together: Search Sun Devil Sync for sustainability- and environmental-related student groups and events.