by Ed Fletcher, The Sacramento Bee

 From college campus to the state Capitol, thousands of area residents celebrated Earth Day by learning how to build a more sustainable, energy efficient environment.

In one learning expedition, a group of 27 area residents and business leaders boarded a natural gas-powered regional transit bus for a "Green Bus Tour" of projects aimed at reducing their impact on the environment.

The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce organized the tour.

Patricia Fong Kushida, the chamber's president, said her group is looking for ways to help bring green jobs and businesses to the region.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who helped kick off the event but didn't take part in the tour, said there should be a regional approach to building a sustainable economy.

"Our commitment is to be a very sustainable city," Johnson said. "We want to be one of the most
sustainable."

The tour started at Cal Expo and included stops at the Port of Sacramento, LEED certified restaurant Hot Italian and the California Lighting Technology Center.

Separate events were held on the California State University, Sacramento campus and on the south steps of the State Capitol.