Earth Week encourages students to think about creation care
One person’s trash is another’s treasure. This is definitely true as part of Earth Week, March 15-19, A Rocha TWU’s biggest event of the year. It is designed to increase awareness of environmental issues through numerous events such as bringing old clothes and goods to a SWAP.
Leianne Gunter, the club’s president, says students must be aware of the issues so they can “become better stewards” and care more for creation.
On one day, students may even see garbage covering the lawns. This is an object lesson to show students the garbage they produce and how much of that can be recycled or composted. They can also get their hands messy in the paper making workshop, or watch the one-of-a-kind musical performance by Dr. Clements (remember first year Biology?).
There will also be a Q&A session with TWU professors and members of A Rocha to discuss the question: “How do your beliefs shape how you view the environment?”
This is Gunter’s first semester as the club’s president. She grew up gardening, composting and enjoying the outdoors, so joining A Rocha TWU was a natural fit for her. She likes being “involved in something bigger.”
Her vision for the club is to expand it and have students from all majors involved, because the environment is everyone’s issue. She wants to see an increase in student participation, through initiatives like the community garden and composting. During Earth Week, the club wants to promote their new-and-improved composting program, as well as the community garden across Glover Road.
What are some other practical ways students can participate in stewardship? Gunter suggests typing notes in class to use less paper, using real dishes at the cafeteria and recycling and composting as much as possible.
To find out more about Earth Week or how you can be involved with A Rocha TWU, email arochatwu@hotmail.com or check out arocha.org. Students are welcome to attend the meetings Tuesdays at 1:30 in upper RNT. Also, be sure to check the posters around campus for the date and locations of events.
Story and photo by Gwendolen Gower.