Countdown to Earth Hour: Old to Gold fashion show highlights sustainability

York University students, faculty and staff are getting a jump on Earth Hour 2011 with Earth Hour, Every Hour, a special event tomorrow evening, March 16, from 4:30 to 9pm in the Winters College Master’s dining hall.

Hosted by the Institute for Research & Innovation in Sustainability (IRIS) in collaboration with the Ecologically Conscious Organization and Schulich Net Impact clubs, the evening will feature an Old to Gold fashion show that features designs created by York students that use pre-loved clothing. Also featured in the fashion show are creations made from vintage clothing from Pre-loved, a fashion boutique located in downtown Toronto.

As part of the evening, Andrew Bowerbank (left), president & chief strategy officer at EC3, will deliver a special lecture on sustainability. Bowerbank is a respected authority on green buildings, sustainable development, industrial design and low-carbon economics. He regularly draws from his diverse background in efforts to engage industry leaders and support new business strategies in response to current energy and environmental issues. Bowerbank was the executive director of the World Green Building Council from 2007 to 2009.

The evening will conclude with a live music performance. The event is free and open to the community. The dress code is evening casual. As seating is limited, organizers request that those interested in attending this event should visit the Earth Hour, Every Hour website. RSVPs should be e-mailed to irisatyork@gmail.com. The menu will include vegetarian and vegan options in addition to traditional fare.

Earth Hour is an international event that asks individuals, families, businesses and public institutions, to turn off their lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour on the evening of March 26, from 8 to 9pm local time, to promote electricity conservation and lower carbon emissions.