Students at Austin High School learned several ways to ‘go green’ Wednesday in preparation of Earth Day.

The student ‘Go Green’ club held their second annual Earth Fair in Knowlton Auditorium yesterday where students could step onto the dimly-lit stage all day to check out a variety of earth-friendly booths.

Sophomore Go Green member Devyn Denison said it was a fun event to plan.

“It’s fun to share this stuff with the other students,” she said. “We, as a club, get to do a ton of green activities.”

Judy Roensch had a booth at the fair where she talked to students about the effects of chemicals in cleaning products, and about a natural cleaning line she sells called Norwex.

“The students have been very interested, both boys and girls,” she said. “Part of what I’m telling them about is that the key is breaking habits. Don’t grab a paper towel; grab a towel.”

Andy Sundel, who has an Americorps Vista position with Habitat for Humanity, manned a booth on stage to tell students about a variety of their services and opportunities.

“A lot of people don’t know about our Re-Store, but it benefits the earth, consumers and Habitat for Humanity,” he said.

Habitat ReStores are outlets that accept donated home improvement goods for resale. The furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances are sold to the public at a fraction of retail price, with proceeds going to the construction of Habitat homes.

Also on hand was Cindy Lichtsinn from Super Fresh Bakery & Produce, who taught students about rain barrels and compost bins, and Hy-Vee dietitian Jen Haugen, who told students how to “green up their diets” and measure nutritional value.

Kelly Lady, energy services consultant of Austin Utilities, was at the fair challenging teens to look at their parent’s utility bills and find ways to save energy and money. She also put a call out for RE-Fest volunteers.

The busiest table Wednesday afternoon seemed to be Riverland Community College’s where instructor Steve Vietor talked about the school’s popular wind turbine and solar energy technician programs.

Students lined up to try on turbine technician equipment and helmets and check out a solar panel.

“We’re talking to them about green careers — there are so many reasons to get involved with that right now,” he said.

Finally, the Go Green student group, comprised of almost 50 members, had tables where students could pledge to “Go Green,” learn about the effects of plastic bags and purchase pop before recycling the cans.

“We’re just trying to do what we can to make the world a greener place,” said Tanya Weckenwerth, a 10th-grade Go Green student.