Earth Week in review

Editor's note: The following is a review of several Earth Week events at Fredonia. Several speakers visited Fredonia to discuss a variety of sustainable topics such as plastic bottle concerns and invasive species in America.

Invasive Species Panel

Most plants and many creatures that surround the country today are from Europe, according to an invasive species panel last Wednesday during Earth Day festivities. The panel consisted of Lauren Piche, sophomore environmental science major, Alex Staunch, senior geology major, John Titus, professor of Biology and Raymond Vaughan of the New York State Attorney General's Office and Environmental Scientist. The panelists gave a number of suggestions about how we can combat invasive species and preserve species that are native to the lands we live in. The panel mentioned the possibility of introducing a natural enemy on foreign species that could reduce their numbers.

Tap Water Challenge

Can you tell the difference between tap water and bottled water? Last Wednesday students were put to the test to see if they really could tell the difference. Students passing by the MPR were asked to take the tap water challenge. The purpose of the challenge was to raise awareness about the use of plastic water bottles that are polluting the earth.
Students were given reusable water bottles in an attempt to convert people from their old habits. The water bottles were donated from Ken Dahlgren from The Colleges for Change Program. Students working the tables hoped that the new water bottles would help move Fredonia in the right direction - to free the campus from plastic water bottles.

Eco-Internships

Last Wednesday during Earth Day, Katie Tyczynski, a junior education major, spoke about her experience with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo at the Eco-Internship panel. Tyczynski talked about the lesson plans that she was developing that incorporated sustainable education.

Tyczynski hopes students walked away from the event with inspiration to go out and become a member of the Community Foundation or to at least raise questions about the environment. "I hope people walked away with the message that if you are interested in something, go out and find opportunities," she said.

Other panelist included Alex Staunch, a senior biology major, who spent last summer in Costa Rica patrolling the beaches at night helping to protect sea turtles. Adam Malchoff and Caitlin Levesque were also present who spent time in Washington working with Food and Water Watch which focuses on corporate accountability on food, water, and fishing.