By Eric Guzman '12
In recognition of Earth Day, Siena’s Environmental Club hosted a series of activities to raise awareness and promote sustainability.
“It is so important to stay environmentally conscious,” said Environmental Club President Amanda Stasiewicz ’13. “Our hope is to enhance student awareness and start to form a behavior change toward more eco-friendly practices. The best way to do that is by interacting with the community.”
Painted canvas tote bags, homemade terrariums, vegan cupcakes and a clothing swap were a few of the ways the club taught the campus to be more sustainable.
Emily Merritt’12 contributed a trendy perspective of sustainability, proudly displaying a dress that she constructed out of old National Geographic magazines to compete in this year’s Trashion Fashion Show, a runway pageant that encourages designers to create outfits from recycled materials. Merrit stressed the motto, “Earth day, everyday.” Merritt said, “It is important for all of us to live life with a sustainable outlook. We have to be mindful of our actions because at the end of the day, if it affects our planet, it’s going to affect us.”
A highlight of the day featured students advocating on behalf of the TOMS Shoes movement. TOMS Shoes is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing them with something many individuals take for granted, shoes. TOMS Shoes are made with pesticide-free fabric from recycled and sustainable materials and with no animal by-products.
The sponsored activity, “Experience the Walk,” allowed Siena students to walk along a path made up of gravel, soil and woodchips -- materials that children without shoes may be walking on every day.
“TOMS organization is a large supporter of sustainability,” said Environmental Club member Jeni Casinelli ’12. “Their mission ties nicely into Earth Day and we wanted to make it part of our awareness.”
The Environmental Club embodies the ideals of St. Francis by encouraging membes of the community to be stewards of the planet. By sponsoring speakers throughout the semester and co-sponsoring Campus Sustainability Day and Campus Cleanup Day, the Siena Community is constantly looking for ways to support the eco-friendly movement.
