Everyone seems to be going green these days. It's the hottest trend in business since that whole “Internet” thing took off 10 years ago.

Dell, the computer-maker, has now made its corporate headquarters entirely powered by renewable technology. NBC Universal is putting solar panels on its movie studio in Los Angeles and has jettisoned all plastic foam in its cafeterias. Even that old titan of banking JPMorgan Chase is renovating its new gigantic Park Avenue headquarters with the latest in green architecture.

Is this just merely a public-relations scheme in order to appease the ever-growing environmental consciousness with the American public? Perhaps it is.

However, it would be difficult to find anyone who would actively dissuade these companies from fully embracing the Big Green Movement.

In Humboldt County, “going green” is not a hip focus-group created piece of corporate lingo...it's a way of life. Humboldt State University's 13th annual Sustainable Living Arts and Music Festival (SLAMfest) is a testament to the North Coast's continuing mission to not only raise awareness on the vital issue of sustainability, but to demonstrate how its done.

SLAMfest is a 100% zero waste event. That means exactly what it says: Absolutely no waste products whatsoever. This endeavor is much more difficult than it sounds. Meghannraye Sutton, Public Relations and Design Coordinator for the event, emphasized this point very clearly.

”We do not want any trash at this event,” Sutton said. “Last year, we had one bag. This year, we are trying for none.”

The task may seem inconceivable or impossible, but there will be plenty of ways to make it a reality.

Fifteen separate compost stations will be strategically placed throughout the area for left-over food. All recyclable will be swiftly collected into their corresponding bins. In order to commend attendee commitment to the no-waste protocol, raffle tickets will be available to all of those who bring their own eating accoutrements -- so don't forget your bowl and fork.

SLAMfest is a completely student-run enterprise that is dedicated to creating a fun day of eco-focused and family-friendly entertainment for the community: live music, interactive games and amusements, poetry, and plenty of opportunities for learning on how to truly go green. The event is free, both in terms of cost and alcohol (you can go to the bars at the Plaza after the event, if that's your thing.)

The festival is powered by sustainable energy: solar, biodiesel, and electricity-generating bicycles that turn people into literal “human energy converters.”

Music fans will appreciate the potpourri of alluring sounds. HSU's own Marching Lumberjacks will kick things off at 11:30 a.m. with their unique brand of tunes and antics. The Humboldt State University Calypso Band will then flood the soccer field with its feisty blend of Afro-Caribbean sounds.

If vibrant only-in-Humboldt-rock n' roll is more your speed, then make way for the sonic assault of Svelte Velvet, a local punk rock outfit with plenty of manic energy to spare. Radio Free Humboldt's Battle of the Bands winner, Sour Cream, will then rock the Redwood trees with its funkified covers of all your favorite Cream songs.

The crowd had better make room for the main course when local hard funk/acid jazz legends The Bump Foundation takes the stage and brings its extended James Brown tribute to the masses. Undoubtedly, the Godfather himself will approve of the set, which should come with its own disclaimer: warning...prepare to dance! Bloco Firmeza, Humboldt's answer to the bombastic percussion and elegant poetics of samba, will close out the day with a kinetic set of Brazilian beats and melodies.

The art of the spoken word will also arise at SLAMfest. Dan Ihara, a lecturer in the HSU Department of Economics and Environmental Resources Engineering, will offer a rousing and inspirational talk on the continued fight for a sustainable future. Local slam poets will also have an opportunity to storm the stage and wield their three-minute blasts of introspective and insightful musings (with a $50 dollar prize going to the best wordsmith.)

Additionally, several local organizations will be ready and able to walk you through the path to a more sustainable life. Greenwheels will information on sustainable transportation, the HSU chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws will talk about sustainable hemp, and there will be tours of the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) as well the Shotz Energy Center's hydrogen fueling station.

Do you think you have what it takes to shred out Iron Maiden's “Number of the Beast” with the help of the awesome power of the sun? Well, then you will definitely want to enter the solar-powered Guitar Hero III contest (it only costs a buck to enter.) For those youngsters (or young-at-hearts) who want to abstain from any video-gaming (it's an outdoor event after all--plenty of time for the Wii later), there will be plenty of activities on hand to delight and teach. The Humboldt Circus will be holding a juggling workshop and there will be several arts and crafts on hand -- tie die, origami, giant bubble-making, painting and chalk, as well as scarecrow-making. SLAMfest has a little something for everyone, and it is all for the a good cause -- the most important cause, the environment. Sutton is pleased with the outpouring of community support.

”People have been incredibly generous,” Sutton said. “This is HSU's only music event of the year and it is a wonderful opportunity to connect and show support for this community and to keep the idea [of sustainability] alive.”

Going green is not just the next big corporate trend. It is a vital way of life for a great majority who live on the North Coast. There is really no reason not to stop by the HSU soccer field on Rossow Street this Sunday. Prepare for a full day of music, crafts, dancing, poetry, and an abundance of smiling faces, all gathered to make a difference.

If forgetfulness sets in and you mistakenly leave your fork and bowl from home, never fear -- the festival will have them there for you to rent. When they say no waste, they mean it.