Quad Squad

Umbra on college Earth Day fests

Posted by Bricolage at 11:56 AM on 06 Mar 2006

Earth Day is fast approaching (April 22, for those hopelessly out of the loop). That has a college student at a conservative school wondering how he can best get the green message out to his not-so-crunchy peers. Advice maven Umbra Fisk has a few ideas. If you have your own, be sure to let us know in Gristmill.

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Earth Day at Purdue

As an 'enviro' Purdue grad, I have a few suggestions that may help Anthony. When I was part on the Purdue Environmental Science Club we did various things that appealed to different individuals during Earth Day/Week events. We held energy awareness gatherings that focused on (among other things) the energy efficient lighting in the PMU. We held panel discussions with professors from various departments (everything from political science to economics). We invited speakers from various groups from activists to a professor from the Christian Theological Seminary. I would also suggest getting in contact with the Lafayette Peace Coalition. While they may have some different perspectives and goals, they may be able to help with organizing. I also know of some Professors that may be able to help - if you read this and are interested let me know. Also try to get Grad students involved, they tend to be more motivated and have better connections. So good luck and don't be afraid to reach out to people or organizations that you think may not be receptive - I think that you may be surprised. The more groups you have involved with the Earth Day events the more likely it will be a success. Thank you for keeping the movement alive at Purdue!

by lrmyers11 at 1:33 PM on 06 Mar 2006

Earth Day

A conservative campus might respond to a worship service - non-denominational -extolling the glory of Creation.

by sjjy at 4:24 PM on 06 Mar 2006

don't forget the animals!

Why is biodiversity being treated once again as a cause that environmentalists have never heard of?

I have no idea what the zoo situation is like out by Purdue. But many large zoos in our country (by no means all, unfortunately) are run by thoughtful, knowledgeable zoologists for whom the preservation of biodiversity is a major cause, and in which the education of an ill-informed public is a daily task. Many animals in zoos do not mind a bit of traveling, and many zoologists already make it their practice to travel with certain individual animals for educational purposes. One or two (a wolf?; a python?) would certainly be a draw. Possibly such a visit to your campus by a professional docent with one or more animals can be arranged for Earth Day. Possibly students could participate in presentations of the ecosystems, and their difficulties, that the animals represent. And possibly, in reverse, the zoologists may have interesting volunteer opportunities available for college students.

Ethically, treating animals as educational props is always an animal-rights issue. I for one believe that it can be done humanely. But much thought and caution are necessary beforehand.

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

by caniscandida at 9:20 PM on 06 Mar 2006

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