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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Amongst the abundant number of people wearing red, blue and white Boston Red Sox paraphernalia were infusions of green worn by local businessmen, students and faculty members supporting Campus Stability Day at Westfield State College. At the Green Fair last Wednesday many student clubs and organizations participated in tabling to educate their peers about the devastating impacts of global warming and what measures they can take to combat this phenomenon. "Sustainability means that we strive to use our natural resources to support our educational mission in a way that ensures those resources will be available to future generations," Barry Maloney, interim president of Westfield State College said. "For Westfield State, it's the collective impact we can have in reducing the cumulative effects our operations have on our surroundings." In addition to Maloney's signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, the college has made other efforts to reduce their impact on the environment such as using biodiesel fuel for its trucks, equipping computer labs with "auto shut-off" and installing low-flow bathroom facilities. The Green Fair was not only a celebration of the college's efforts but also a venue for student lobbyists such as those in MASSPIRG (Massachusetts Student Public Interest Research Group) to make their mission known to the student body. Unknowing, but pleasantly surprised that Senator Michael Knapik, R-Westfield, would be in attendance, the MASSPIRG sign read, "Ask Senator Knapik to Sign the Global Warming Solutions Act." The legislation is aimed at reducing the state's global warming pollution 80 percent by the year 2050. When approached by Knapik at the "Green Fair" MASSPIRG members passionately discussed their plea for his endorsement of the legislation. "This is important, it is the future of our world," Knapik said of the Global Warming Solutions Act. However, he cautioned that while "industries are integral to our economy" getting them to "buy into a Green Massachusetts" will take time. He added that numerous efforts to plan, invest and "do right by the environment" on the state level, however, the impact that students are making on the local level are "critical" as well. "It's nice to see that someone shows that he cares," Sean Hurt, MASSPRIG member and Westfield State College student said after meeting Knapik at the Green Fair. He added that MASSPRIG members were also asking faculty members to send letters to the Senate on behalf of the Global Warming Solutions Act in addition to having students sign petitions. At the fair Westfield State students were also encouraged to sign a pledge for "green behavior." Laura Silver, a sophomore, wrote that she would "use a canvas bag when shopping." Danielle Light, a sophomore, wrote that she would be "joining the Green Team to promote sustainability on campus." Lauren Josey, a Westfield State College student who also attended the fair for extra points from her environmental biology professor, said since being at the college she has learned to bottle her daily water, separate recycling and not to litter. She said it's "the little stuff" that will help her and others to "take a step" toward the fight to reduce the effects of Global Warming. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a computer survey called, "What is your Ecological Footprint?" The 15-question survey about energy consumption calculated "how much of the Earth's resources your lifestyle requires." Marijoan Bull, a professor in the Ecology Department said the survey helps to "give [people] a sense of how their personal choices effect the Earth," specifically in the areas of eating habits, consumption patterns and transportation needs. Trudy Knowles, co-organizer of the Green Fair and professor of education said she hopes to continue the event annually so that future students may understand their effect on the environment and how they can contribute to making the campus "greener." | ||||||
