MADISON, Wis. -- Tuesday's Earth Day celebrations highlighted a number of local efforts to encourage an environment-friendly lifestyle.

Rising gas prices has boosted the profile and membership in one local green movement.

Organizers of Community Car said that they're seeing a surge in membership. About 900 people are currently enrolled in the car sharing program, WISC-TV reported.

In 2003, the service launched with three cars and 20 charter members. It has now grown to 15 cars.

Meanwhile, about 150 children from Wingra and Aldo Leopold Elementary schools were on the Madison Area Technical College campus. The children were making earth-friendly art projects.

All the buttons and bags were made with reusable materials and students also got a chance to see the MATC campus. Tuesday was also time for hugging trees -- literally.

University Book Store on State Street offered to donate 25 cents to an environment charity for every person who hugged a tree on Earth Day.

There was no shortage of volunteers, WISC-TV reported.