Unicorns, leprechauns and clean coal.

To some Western students, all of these have something in common.

GreenToppers and Americans for Informed Democracy united for Fossil Fools’ Day on Wednesday.

Students came together for the event on April Fools’ Day to raise awareness about the dangers of fossil fuels and promote renewable energy.

Students dressed up as mythical characters and marched through campus, shouting chants about the myths surrounding fossil fuels and clean coal technology.

Students marched from Java City in Helm Library, down to Pearce-Ford Tower and back.

They carried a banner protesting the burning of coal for energy and passed out literature about the cause.

The group also chanted things such as “Unicorns, leprechauns, clean coal,” and “Clean coal, dirty lie.”

After the march, the students went on a mass bike ride.

GreenToppers and Americans for Informed Democracy also hosted a dance party near PFT Wednesday night, according to a press release from both groups.

Western alumnus Seth Cude was one of the participants “We wanted to get the message out that clean coal doesn’t exist,” he said. “Saying coal is clean is like saying cigarettes are healthy or that water is dry.”

Meredith Wadlington, a junior from Memphis, Tenn., said the purpose was to educate people on the reality that all coal is dirty and pollutes the environment.

According to the Clean Coal Technologies, Inc. Web site, concern over the effects of green house gas and airborne pollution has become a worldwide issue.

Clean coal technology reduces airborne pollution and contaminants by as much as 90 percent in some cases, according to the company’s Web site.

Lexington junior Greg Capillo said the event was a success despite it being the first action by the group. “People definitely saw what was going on,” Capillo said. “At least for a few minutes, people thought about energy issues.”

Chicago sophomore Danny Dunkleman saw the group when they were marching. He said the group was supporting a good cause but wasn’t going about it the right way. “I don’t think what they’re doing is very effective,” he said. “I don’t see how dressing up and dancing is helping anything. It seemed like they were just trying to draw attention to themselves.”

Louisville junior Kristen Houser said the event was a good way to get the campus talking about energy issues.

Capillo said this was the first of many actions and more events are being planned, including a targeted action with other Kentucky schools in the fall.