SNC Celebrates Earth Day
Sarah Spaulding
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: News
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Many environmentalists participated in the events to gain perspective on what can be done to improve our environment, while others simply wanted to show their love and respect for the earth.
The week began on Monday, April 20, when photographer, writer, activist and arts educator Eddee Daniel discussed his book, "Urban Wilderness: Exploring a Metropolitan Watershed."
In his presentation, Daniel posed questions to the audience, such as how people define an environmentalist and how, if we are all living in the environment, can we not all be environmentalists?
"Many people who do not call themselves environmentalists have more urgent worries," said Daniel, citing monetary and quality-of-life issues.
Because so many low-income families reside in large cities and cannot afford to travel to other places, it becomes important to preserve green space in cities.
"With the economy being our number one priority, a lot of people just don't know what it is that they can do," commented Kim Hansen '11, intern for the Peace and Justice Center and current member of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee.
This concept is one of the many ways in which environmentalism is tied to peace and justice.
Hansen said, "We need to advocate for the earth; it is our responsibility to take care of it. By doing so, we are caring for creation."
The movie, "11th Hour," a documentary about human influence over the environment in terms of the harm has been done and helpful changes that can be made, was shown in the Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center on Tuesday.
The movie suggested that if we start using more wind or solar energy and biomass, we can reduce carbon emissions by 90 percent.
However, these alternative energies are an expensive investment. At SNC, where environmentalism is a main concern with new construction projects, the Mulva Library will have solar panels, and many hope geothermal heating will be used for the new science building in a few years.
On Wednesday, students baked cookies on the Campus Center lawn using solar ovens, which worked despite uncooperative weather. Other events included Pizza with a Purpose: "A Leaner, Greener St. Norbert College," and RecycleMania Review.
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