SF State graduate student and graphic designer Adrienne Aquino’s smile illuminated the room as she unfolded her latest creation. The pale green T-shirt stood bright as she held it up against the gray drizzling skyline.

Her face glowed as she spoke of the opportunity to design the official T-shirt for Focus the Nation, a nationwide teach-in to educate students on different college campuses about climate change and other environmental issues.

The shirt is a symbol of her passion for design and sustainability, said Aquino, who also got her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from SF State in 2003. The T-shirt also reflects her ability to help Focus the Nation advertise their message through an outlet that today’s youth understand: fashion.

“As a graphic designer, I try to support non-profits [like Focus the Nation] who aim to support the environment,” said Aquino, who is studying geography and environmental studies. “If I am going to be a designer, I’d like to do it with less impact on the environment.”

The fiery orange and white windmills that are the logo on the T-shirt are already the identity system for the event, Aquino said. Windmills are a recognizable and eco-friendly symbol, which makes for a reoccurring motif, she added.

Woody Hastings, an environmental studies major who is also involved with Focus the Nation, said that Aquino’s role in the event was to design the T-shirt and its logo, but that the shirt was also environmentally friendly as well.

“The T-shirt is organic cotton, biodegradable and sewn in the United States — sweatshop free,” Hastings said.

Marielle Earwood, 21, an SF State student who also is working closely with Focus the Nation, said Aquino’s T-shirt is a great opportunity to get public awareness about the Focus the Nation teach-ins occurring at over 1,400 institutions.

“By wearing this shirt, it’s showing your support and awareness about these environmental issues,” said Earwood, an international relations major.

The T-shirt comes in three colors — white, black and green — and currently can be only purchased in bulk through E3 Earthwear, a company partnering with Focus the Nation.

“I wanted a simple, contemporary design that people would wear after the Focus the Nation event — and it wouldn’t just be sitting in their closets after,” Aquino said.