On Saturday, October 24th, join people all over the world
 to take a stand for a safe climate future. There are many ways you can get involved and several local events supporting the 350.org initiative. But first a little history of what 350 means…

350 is the most important number in the world

It’s what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million. Everyone from Al Gore to the U.N.’s top climate scientist has now embraced this goal as necessary for stabilizing the planet and preventing complete disaster. Now the trick is getting our leaders to pay attention and craft policies that will put the world on track to get to 350.

What is the day of action?

On October 24th, the International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet’s history. There will be big rallies in big cities, and incredible creative actions across the globe: mountain climbers on our highest peaks with banners, underwater demonstrations in island nations threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques and synagogues and ashrams engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike rides—and hundreds upon hundreds of community events (many in SWVA) to raise awareness of the need for urgent action.

How can I get involved?

Easy! Just join one of the events listed below and/or sign the pledge on the front-page of 350.org.

Roanoke Valley Climate Rally

Time: 3:50pm – 6:00pm
Location: Roanoke, VA (Reserve Ave athletic fields, old Victory Stadium site)
Info: The event will feature both kid and adult-friendly games and activities. Be a part of history in the VALLEY’S LARGEST-EVER AERIAL PHOTO!
Website: rvccc.org/350/350.html

350.org Harvest Festival

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Roanoke, VA (Grandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Road)
Info: A Harvest Festival where 350 apples will be made into apple butter, a bicycle ride will power a fountain, and 350 ROCKS will be added to a wall.  There will be information/workshops on Climate and Solar powered projects, developing an eco-village and a scarecrow making contest,  highlighted with music and refreshments. The Roanoke 350 Aerial Photo will take place at Victory Stadium field at 4 pm, and A drum circle ends the evening, 7 pm – 10 pm back at Grandin Gardens.

350 KITE FLY

Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Roanoke, VA (Hollins University)
Info: Imagine… 350 kites flying over Hollins University
. Make the dream come true! On October 24th at high noon…Hollins joins people all over the world to take a stand for a safe climate future. Bring your kites(s), friends & family and help us reach our goal of 350 kites in the sky over Hollins.
Website: facebook.com/event.php?eid=155509671466

Random Acts of 350

Time: All Day
Location: Roanoke, VA Everywhere
Info: Random Acts of 350: Make 350 appear in random spaces and places around Roanoke. This will include sidewalk chalking, window painting and black board “shoutouts.”  Roanoke Valley Community, join in the action by making 350 appear in random places in your neighborhood! Then let the world know what your random act of 350 is & where you did it by posting to the facebook page.
Website: facebook.com/event.php?eid=155364971826

Split Rail Eco-Fair

Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Floyd, VA (Rt. 8 & Rt. 221, Downtown Floyd)
Info: SustainFloyd is hosting the first annual SplitRail Eco-Fair. This celebration of rural living offers something for everyone, in a traditionally festive atmosphere. Fairgoers can visit local farmers and their livestock, eat delicious, locally-grown organic foods, enjoy music and entertainment, see vendors of Virginia-made crafts, folk arts, food, plants, agricultural tools and environmentally friendly living items. The SplitRail Eco-Fair blends some of the best of traditional and modern-day living in Floyd, and shows Fairgoers how they easily can incorporate sustainable living practices into their own daily routines. The Fair goes on rain or shine.
Website: sustainfloyd.org

Restorative Forestry in Appalachia

Time: All Day
Location: Copper Hill, VA (Ridgewind Farm, 8014 Bear Ridge Rd.)
Info: Demonstrating the practice of “Restorative Forestry” through the skills and environmental ethics of “worst first” single tree selection and the ultimate low impact overland extraction method of modern animal powered techniques. This method uses far less fossil fuel energy and increases the carbon sequestration and storage capacity of the forests. This approach is offered as an example for the world to accomplish our mission statement: To address human needs for forest products while creating a nurturing coexistence between the forest and human community. “Taking the best of the past to make a better future”
Website: healingharvestforestfoundation.org

Green-stock

Time: 12:00pm – 3:50pm
Location: Lexington, VA (Cannan Green, 14 West Washington St, Washington and Lee University
)
Info: Cannan Green is an open greenspace between Elrod Commons and Doremus Gymnasium on Washington and Lee University campus. To get there, park in visitor parking at Lee Chapel and walk to the Commons, then turn left and head for the greenspace. The Student Environmental Action League of W&L is organizing the events to run just under 4 hours. There will be music, food, and an opportunity to paint banners to be hung on the fences around Newcomb Hall for the week of 24-31 October.

350 lbs of reuse

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Blacksburg, VA (drop off at Dietrick’s Dining Hall)
Info: A trash rummage for recyclable materials ending with a picture of everyone and the materials they find. Ideally, they’d like to collect 350+ lbs of bottles, cans, and paper. The trash trek with begin at 10am and end at 2-3pm with a photo at 4pm. The recycling will then be hauled to a recycling site.

350cookies

Time: All Day, while cookies last
Location: Blacksburg, VA (VT Campus)
Info: They’ll be baking 350 cookies with as many fair trade ingredients as possible and setting up on VT’s campus to give the cookies away while sharing info about the 350 dilema.