Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is getting more attention at Gonzaga through a month-long sustainability campaign called "30 ways in 30 days."
Sodexho is heading the movement. While there are already some events planned, Sodexho is calling for campuswide participation.
The campaign is in honor of Earth Day and is specifically focusing on sustainability, which Sodexho and Gonzaga faculty are defining as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs." It is basically making smart decisions and not wasting, said Kristi Theisen, the chief organizer of the event and marketing manager for Sodexho.
The campaign is also about making small changes that cumulatively can have a big impact. The Marketplace has dedicated itself to using recycled napkins to prevent harsh and damaging bleaches from being used. Another change they plan to make is to turn off the photocopier at night, which can save enough energy to make 5,400 copies.
But why make such a big deal about this Earth Day? Theisen emphasized how environmental issues are becoming more prevalent in our world and that by organizing and bringing everyone together, there could be a more positive impact on the community.
"Realizing you have that choice . . . and that you can decrease environmental impact" is big, Theisen said. But you do not have to go out and buy a super expensive clean car either, she added, it's the "little changes - they can add up to make a big difference."
A huge inspiration in this Earth Day's "30 ways in 30 days" campaign is the Gonzaga Faculty Forum panel discussion. The panel will discuss sustainability issues, the environment and a changing world on April 9 in the Washington-Cal room in the Marketplace. There will be a representative from Sodexho, possibly a Sheppard's grain farmer representative and other experts from the community.
Theisen got the idea for "30 ways in 30 days" from Whitworth, as it was successful at other colleges and specifically at our neighboring university.
Another event will be a slide show in the COG. It will highlight local produce and products the chefs cook with, like the grain and bread from Shepherd's Grain, an alliance of family farms close to Spokane. The slide show will also communicate the conscious choices the chefs at the Marketplace make when preparing meals.
To clarify this, Theisen gave a pointed example concerning fruit. Students and faculty want certain fruits, like bananas, all year round. Yet many people also want to use local farmers. The slide show and the campaign will help spread awareness on the balance that the Marketplace is trying to find among demand, supply and the desires of Marketplace frequenters.
Another highlight of the campaign may be Seattle's Best Coffee. The Seattle-based company may send representatives to Gonzaga to speak about their product, which endorses fair trade coffee. Moreover, with enough support, the coffee may eventually be used in the Marketplace.
Gonzaga Environmental Organization is also taking part in the Earth Day campaign by measuring the amount of wasted food at the Marketplace and reporting back to the rest of campus in hopes of reducing waste through awareness. - Kristen Smith Illustration
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