Synergy: fourth annual Sustainable Living Conference slated for Feb. 9-12

The Synergy conference integrates varied themes:

The fourth annual Synergy Conference comes to The Evergreen State College campus in early February, and organizers say it will integrate themes of agriculture, culture and the arts, design, ecology and environmental ethics, social justice, spiritual and physical health and more.

The Synergy Conference is funded and organized by a non-profit coalition of student organizations at Evergreen, each focusing on a different facet of sustainable living.

Similarly, keynote speakers at the conference represent a broad array of sustainability fields. Most notably, Amy Goodman, a nationally known radio show host from "Democracy Now!" will speak about political justice. For the complete list of speakers and their biographies, visit the conference website.

Workshops and panel discussions on topics ranging from wild food harvesting and cultivation to using clean fuels will also be a key part of the conference. A "Trashy Fashion" recycled material fashion show; a fire-dancing ritual, bike festivities, art shows, as well as conscientious vending promise a festive atmosphere. Seattle-native and spoken word artist, Laura "Piece" Kelly, seen on HBO's Def Poetry, will lead a writing workshop and perform with her band.

General admission is free to students and $5 per day for non-students. Admission to Amy Goodman is $5 for students and $10 for the public, plus free general admission for the day if purchased in advance. Laura "Piece" Kelly's Wednesday night performance is $3 for students and $5 for non-students. Tickets will be sold at the door and are available at Rainy Day Records and Last Word Books in Olympia

On the web: www.evergreen.edu/synergy