Holy Cross Students to Participate in Series of Events Rooted in Environmental Sustainability

Students at the College of the Holy Cross will host numerous events this spring that will offer opportunities for discussion and participation regarding environmental sustainability, including a tree planting ceremony by the class of 2018 to honor both the 45th anniversary of Earth Day and Arbor Day on Friday, April 24.

The Student Government Association (SGA) and Eco-Action, a student-run environmental group at Holy Cross,  will host “Purple Goes Green” week, March 23-28. This is an opportunity for the College, students, faculty and staff to raise awareness for vital environmental concerns and issues that affect our planet every day.

Victoria Pennachio ’17, director of environmental concerns for the SGA, says “Purple Goes Green Week is very important to raising awareness to sustainability efforts both on and off campus.  Most students do not realize that the smallest change in their daily behaviors can have a huge impact on the environment.  Through our various events we hope to educate them and spark interest in protecting our planet.”

The following “Purple goes Green Week” events are open to the campus community and they include:

Monday, March 23-27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hogan Lobby “Crusader Cup” where students can purchase reusable cups for $3 and stickers for $2. The purchase will give users a 20 cent discount on beverages from vendors on campus. All the proceeds from the cup and sticker sales will benefit a nonprofit in Nicaragua named Rural Water Ventures, an organization that provides safe drinking water to rural communities.

Tuesday, March 24, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Meet in Seelos Lobby The facilities department will give boiler room tours which will give students a first-hand look at the power needed to run the campus community.

Wednesday, March 25, 8 p.m. Hogan 406/407 Panel discussion: “Where Are We Regarding Sustainability?” Panelists include: Kendy Hess, Brake-Smith Assistant Professor in Social Philosophy and Ethics; Katherine Kiel, professor and  chair of economics and accounting; John Cannon, director of facilities operations; Kimberly Corkum ’15, co-chair Eco-Action; and Andrew Varuzzo, environmental liaison coordinator. The event will be moderated by Joseph Seebode ’15, co-chair Eco-Action.

Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hogan Courtyard Pax Christi will display a poverty tree in the Hogan Courtyard, where they will hang facts about worldly environmental social issues on its branches. The group will also have a carbon footprint calculator to show students how as individuals they impact the environment.

Friday, March 27, 12 – 3 p.m. Hogan Courtyard A trash demonstration on the Hogan Courtyard will feature bags of trash collected from three first-year residence halls. Waste Management and the Holy Cross facilities department  will weigh and analyze the trash, then students will be educated on the impact of recycling and how it can make a reduction in their trash. The residence hall with the least amount of trash will be awarded a plaque.

Saturday, March 28, 3-5 p.m. Hart Center SGA “Purple Goes Green” Game of the Week, Men’s Lacrosse vs. Lehigh