Students today claim to be environmentally aware but is Elon doing anything to contribute to their awareness
By Alex Baker
April 16, 2009
Earth Day is April 22. What action are YOU going to take?
Earth Day is just around the corner on April 22 and Elon students have a lot to appreciate thanks to Mother Nature. From Elon’s perfectly coifed lawns to the environmentally safe transportation offered to students, appreciation for the earth’s environment is a popular action to take.
Appreciating the earth’s environment is Earth Day’s main objective. However, Elon students seem to be celebrating Earth Day year round rather than only one day in April.
Reducing carbon footprints, reducing, reusing, and recycling, conserving water, and reducing gas usage are all ways Elon students find themselves taking personal action on Elon’s campus.
Freshman Nikki Rodriguez, believes that global warming is a huge issue in our society and that students can make a difference. “There is a huge population that do not pay attention to what we need to do in order to improve the climate and things that are going to affect our natural resources in the future and it is something that we all need to kind of work towards and encourage others to start.”
In a student poll on Elon’s campus surveying 131 students, 90 perecent believed that they were environmentally aware and 67 perecent are taking action to help the environment. Senior Elizabeth Jazinski believes that any bit can help. “My roommate and I recycle our plastic and glass items. It’s not much but I figure it can’t hurt and is probably doing some good.”
Students consciousness of Elon’s role in environmental education is surprising. While they are responsive of environmental issues presented by the media only 42 perecent of students surveyed believe that their Elon education made a significant difference in their awareness.
Hoping to increase knowledge of Earth Day on campus, The Green Team and the Sierra Club are hosting Earth Week from April 20 – 24. In the second annual celebration of Earth Week on Elon’s campus events such as a potluck, a fashion show and even a night of sustainable smores.
Full details on Earth Week from Elon’s website are posted below:
Monday, April 20:
Elon Township Stream Cleanup 3-5 p.m. End of Wooddale Street (corner of the golf course)
Pot Luck in the Elon Community Garden 5:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by Elon Hillel and Students for Peace and Justice
Tuesday, April 21:
College Coffee 9:40-10:20 a.m. Learn about Elon’s new sustainability pledge and how you can make your life a little greener.
Farmers and Local Arts Market 1-5 p.m. In front of the Colonnades Dining Hall
Fashion Show 4-5 p.m. (at the Market) Hosted by Students for Peace and Justice, the show will feature sustainable fashions that are fun and wearable.
Wednesday, April 22 (EARTH DAY):
Landfill on the Lawn 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. See a portion of trash waste created by students, and watch as volunteers sort out the recyclables on the West Lawn outside of Moseley.
“Moving Towards Carbon Free Living: Practical Steps to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Increase Energy Dependence” 7-9 p.m. Stephen and Rebekah Hren, authors of The Carbon Free Home, will speak on “carbon free living” and sign books at a reception following the talk. McMichael Science Center Room 115 for talk, Room 117 for reception.
Smores with Outdoors 10-11 p.m. Come try Smores made with sustainable ingredients.
Thursday, April 23:
Sierra Club Highway Clean-Up 3-5 p.m. Help clean up the portion of the highway that the Sierra Club has adopted.
Elon Community Garden Work Day 4-6 p.m. Help Elon’s garden plant for the spring season and work the soil.
Movie on the Lawn 9-11 p.m. On the West Lawn next to Moseley, watch movies “Way of the Bear,” “On Natures Terms” and “Cities.”
Friday, April 24:
Tour of TS Designs 1:30-3:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided by the Elon BioBus
Concert 9 p.m. – midnight Sea Monster, Ailyne, Russell Howard, Layden, and the Tipsy Bacchanals perform on the Campus Quad outside Alumni Gym.
Organizers will be at Mosley table #7 to accept donations to The Bald Head Island Conservancy and help protect the natural environment of the Smith Island Complex on the North Carolina coast. They will also have giveaways, calendars, and updates on what’s going on for the week.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions please contact green@elon.edu.
Below, Nikki Rodriguez talks about her environmental awareness on Elon’s campus.
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