Celebrating Sustainability All Year Round
The student-led Sustainability Club hosted its annual Sustainability Weekend with a full lineup of activities highlighting solutions to many of the environmental issues facing our planet. A screening of Before the Flood, a documentary on climate change, kicked off the weekend, along with information about the green products available in the bookstore. Students also organized a sustainability-related scavenger hunt, learned about beekeeping, and enjoyed warm crepes served with apple butter made from apples harvested on campus. In addition, the club worked with Dining Services to offer free vegan desserts for students to sample on Saturday night.
This year’s Sustainability Weekend coincided with a Visiting Weekend, so many prospective students were able to participate. “This was a great opportunity to communicate what we do here at Principia,” says sophomore Lorraine Marsh, who helped coordinate the weekend’s activities. “The documentary film opened people’s eyes to the importance of sustainability, and I enjoyed talking to students about what we can all do moving forward. Plus, students got to try some delicious sustainable treats, and who doesn't love that?!”
“October is Sustainability Month nationwide,” notes Dr. Karen Eckert, Director of the College’s Center for Sustainability, “but Principia students seek solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges year round.” Among the solutions students are exploring through on-campus activities are beekeeping, permaculture, recycling, composting, orchard management, native gardening, and water and energy conservation. Students also have a voice in the College’s operational policies by developing green purchasing standards, zero-waste road maps, and greenhouse gas emission targets.
Whatever the project, students bring a metaphysical perspective to their work. In advance of Sustainability Weekend, for example, “students invited Christian Science practitioner, Jerry McIntire, CS, to campus to explore spiritually based solutions to complex challenges that appear to hinder human progress,” Eckert explains. “Mr. McIntire is an avid outdoorsman with expertise in renewable energy and green living, and the students enjoyed a meaningful evening of spiritual exploration with him.”
Learn more about the College’s sustainability minor and Center for Sustainability.