It's Not Easy Being Green...

February 11, 2008 | Written By Michelle Park '08 and Brittany Robinson '08

February 4-7 was “Go Green Week” at Azusa Pacific University. At a time when water shortages, energy crises, and global warming are hot topics, APU hosted a week of events encouraging the APU community to be conservative with their natural resources.

To practice environmental stewardship, students, faculty, and staff participated in a number of conservation efforts, from walking instead of driving, to eliminating the use of Styrofoam products in the cafeteria, to recycling, and more.

On Monday, Reverend Peter Moore-Kochlas, executive director of environmental ministries of Southern California, spoke during a session about the connection between Christianity and the environment.

“The Bible is anthropocentric, meaning that it is people-centered,” said Moore-Kochlas. “But hidden beneath anthropocentric Scriptures are bio-centric messages.”

Wednesday was “Cut Your Carbon Foot” day. Many students walked or rode bikes between campuses, and generally drove less, saving fuel and lessening carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

A screening of the short film, The Story of Stuff, revealed the process of consumerism, and how the straight line from production to consumption needs to become a circle through recycling.

Throughout the week, a number of organizations lined Cougar Walk for the Sustainability Resource Fair, providing an opportunity to learn about active steps to get involved on the APU campus and globally to better our environment. One of those groups was Glendora Chrysler, who showcased the Global Electric Motorcar (GEM), which can be seen around campus.

Facilities Management introduced the "green team," a new group designed to aid in the recycling efforts on campus by reducing the number of dumpsters, collecting money for recycled products, and purchasing waste compactors.

In addition to the events, recycle bins were placed throughout campus as well as environmental facts to inform students about the realities of our consumption practices.

Go Green Week concluded with a "Take the Pledge" assembly on Cougar Walk, where students expressly pledged the ways in which they would honor the commitment to be "green."

"I was pleased to see how many students were passionate about green efforts and sustainability on APU's campus," said senior psychology major Jessi Tobin, who also serves as the chair of the environmental committee for ASB. "No matter who you are, it is crucial to respect the environment by living in a way that values and sustains its resources. I think this week was successful in raising awareness and opportunities for APU students."