More than a billion people around the world plan to participate in Earth Day 2012, voicing their appreciation for the planet and urging its protection.

The global date for the celebration is Sunday, April 22. Radford University's observance will start the previous week with concerts, a tree planting, raffles and games. The City of Radford will host its Earth Day celebration, "Radford Heart of the NRV Goes Green," on Saturday, April 28, in Bisset Park.

"The Environmental Club welcomes the campus community to celebrate Earth Day and learn about ways we can all participate in protecting our planet," said Stacey Jewell, co-president of the student organization.

The health of individuals and the planet will be the subject of "Choose More Often" (CMO), a series of free public events on campus. The series is hosted by students in two RU classes: Honors Academy CORE 201: Contemporary Issues in Food, Nutrition and Health; and NUTR 214: Introduction to Nutrition.

CMO events will feature food sampling, a movie screening, outreach events and panel discussions about the current state of the world's food supply, individual dietary habits and food's vital relationship to personal and planetary health.

RU Dining Services will host a meal at which guests can enjoy a dining experience while exploring the importance of food sustainability. The menu will include tasty local ingredients and sustainable food options.

Campus and city Earth Day events include:

• "Good Nutrition for Good Health," Monday, April 16, 11a.m.-5 p.m., the Bonnie Plaza. This CMO event will explore how nutrition can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, and minimize the human carbon footprint.
   
• "Planeat," Tuesday, April 17, 7 p.m., McGuffey 206. This film presents a clear and convincing argument for a whole-foods, plant-based diet. A panel discussion and a sampling of plant-based foods will follow.
   
• Organic dining experience, Wednesday, April 18, 5 p.m., New River Grille House, Muse Hall. RU Dining Services will present a multicourse sustainable and organic dining opportunity. Reservations are required for the meal and can be made at (540) 831-5544.
   
• Earth Day festival, Thursday, April 19, 2-7 p.m., Heth Lawn. The festival will include live music by Mokey Doris, Whiskey Tango, and Matt Jones and the Bobs, the annual campus tree planting ceremony and much more. Co-sponsors are the Environmental Club and the RU Student Government Association (SGA). Visit the CMO table with an empty plastic bottle, and CMO will help you start your vegetable garden with free soil and seeds. Make a pledge to keep Radford green, and get a free slice of pizza, courtesy of the SGA.
   
• "Radford Heart of the NRV Goes Green," Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Bisset Park. This city-sponsored event will feature the dedication of the Bisset Park Tree Walk, a Kodak shred-a-thon, vendors, children's craft activities, giveaways and raffles.

For more on RU's green initiatives, visit RU Sustainability.