The crocuses are up, the snow has melted (for now at least), and you can step outside without a parka; Buffalo, welcome to spring. Earth Day, April 22, is fast approaching, and to be sure you don’t miss out on celebrating our mother earth, here are
TEN WAYS U CAN B GREEN!
1. Visit the University at Buffalo environmental library!
Located on the second floor of the service building on South Campus, the environmental library is a great place to get started. Go there to pick up information about almost any issue; from pollution to sustainable communities, renewable energy to animal rights and veganism, the resources at 220 Winspear are extensive. Although normally open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the library staff suggests calling ahead, 716-829-3535, before a visit.
2. Join EN!
The Environmental Network at UB is a student organization that has, according to Vice President Jim Simon, made a mission out of “raising awareness about local environmental issues. Part of this includes activism and protests, but mostly we focus on educating students.” If you’re concerned about environmental footprints and wish you could do more, join EN every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Clemens 201. “Many of our current members are graduating,” Simon notes. “We don’t want to see this die out.”
3. Participate in Earth Day!
The UB Green office, in conjunction with EN, will be sponsoring an Earth Day celebration on April 21. As Simon explains, “Much of EN’s work is done behind the scenes, so we wanted to do something that involved students, was environmentally friendly, and fun.” Planned activities include demonstrations, a rock wall, live music, and nature walks; check out the schedule at the end of this article, or visit UB Green’s website for more information.
4. Harness the Wind!
The next time you find yourself idly web surfing (especially if you live off-campus) hit up www.NewWindEnergy.com; purchasing wind power, a clean resource that can never be depleted, is one tactic to resolving the current energy crisis. Simon admits, “It’s more expensive than other forms of power, but by reducing your electricity use you can find a balance.”
5 Turn it Off!
“People might say, ‘I need to leave my computer on to check Facebook in the middle of the night,’ but if everyone in even just Hadley, turned off computers and lights… it’d make a huge difference,” said Simon. We all take for granted the energy that we use; be an environmentalist, conserve energy by turning off appliances, lights, and computers when they’re not needed, and use natural light whenever possible.
6. Eat lower on the food chain!
Did you know that 87 percent of all agricultural land in the United States is used to raise livestock? While it takes 2,500 gallons of water to raise one pound of meat, only 25 gallons are needed for a pound of wheat. Obviously, eating lower on the food chain is an easy choice to positively effect your environment, not to mention a great way to be healthy. Visit the Wellness Center in the Student Union for more information on vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
7. BYOB!
Bring your own bag (not beer) to the grocery store, or anywhere you shop. This is a simple way to save on plastic and paper use, it also gets people who see you wandering around Weggies wondering, asking questions, and thinking green!
8. Get Outside!
For some, just being outside to appreciate nature is enough to raise awareness about environmental issues. Join a club like the Outdoor Adventure Club right here on campus, or check out local organizations such as Sierra Club and Earth Spirit for great group activities and to commune with nature.
9. Join UBCC!
UB Cycling Club is for roadies and mountain bikers, or just anyone who wants to hang out with other people who love their bikes. According to UBCC President Mike Lawler, “People should ride bikes; there’s no gas bill, traffic jams, insurance, waiting for a shuttle bus, or getting stuck without a parking space. It’s a proven form of stress relief and it’s good for the environment, not to mention cannibals don’t like tough meat.” Specifically, UBCC participates in charity and club group rides, as well as training and racing locally. For more information and to join, visit their website at: http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/cycling/.
10. Ride your bike May 2
Register online at http://workshops.buffalo. edu/ for the free bike life and learning workshop. The ride from North to South campus will take place in the afternoon on the last day of classes, to raise awareness for a bike friendly UB; come ride with UBCC and the Wellness Center team, and other students who love to ride.
It’s Easier Than You Think
“There are ample ways to reduce your environmental footprint on campus,” Simon assures us, “What we need is a change of consciousness. Walk, ride your bike, reduce how much paper you use; it’s easier than you think.”
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
10-4: Tables in Student Union lobby representing nearly twenty local environmental groups
11-2: Free climbing on a rock wall, courtesy of Niagara Climbing Center and UB Outdoor Adventure Club
11 and 2: Guided nature walks to discover wild foods and medicinal herbs right on campus!
12-1:30: The highlight of the Earth Day celebration is the concert by Hypnotic Clam Bake on the SU patio. Jim Simon says that the band describes itself as “a bar mitzvah on acid.” And who wouldn’t want to see that?
1-4: Live animals from Hawk Creek rehabilitation Inc.
All Day: Toyota Prius on display, giant parachute “just for fun” and a straw bale building demo
