The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
Last week, in honor of Earth Week, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point put on events to support sustainable practices that make a lasting impact.
Sustainability is defined as something that is helpful to people, supportive to the planet, and profitable in its endeavors.
Sustainable events held on campus included environmental actions like tree planting as well as social justice movements such as the Coffee and Culture talk about interracial dating.
Sustainability in all forms was highlighted to bring awareness to aspects that are not usually talked about.
Living sustainably is not just a College of Natural Resources issue – it affects all colleges, and this was what Earth Week worked to relay with its diverse events.
Every student can live sustainably, not just those with an environmental focus.
Dave Barbier, member of the Office of Sustainability, said that “It is not just about saving planet Earth. It’s about saving our species.”
While social issues are an integral part of sustainability, the tree planting held each year through the Students for Sustainability club was an environmental movement put together largely by the students on campus.
Trees growing on campus were transplanted to various locations, furthering growth.
Andrew Ziel and Steve Hohensee, both students, played a monumental part in moving the trees from the campus nursery to their newly designated locations.
Though the tree planting was a highlight, grape plants were also maintained and flowers were planted.
Lydia Campbell shared that with the plants such as gooseberries and currants planted, “Students can eat those when ready” and will further promote the sustainability of eating local food.
Zest, Emmy J’s, Main Grain, Stevens Point Area Co-op and other businesses contributed food during the planting.
Kelly Adlington, junior waste management major, said that “It’s a good opportunity to patronize local businesses founded in sustainability.”
Although Earth Week has passed, there are still ways to create a sustainable life on campus among all the colleges at UWSP. From reusing set materials in theatre productions to writing about sustainable practices in English classes, sustainability needs to become relatable outside of natural resource environments.
The Office of Sustainability has a Facebook and Twitter page to follow for all school and other sustainability issues. Students for Sustainability also meets every Thursday at 6:30. For more information about the club, email sfs@uwsp.edu.
Alexa Dickson
Reporter
Alexa.S.Dickson@uwsp.edu
