Campus Events Celebrate Earth Week

Sponsored by the UNC-Chapel Hill Sustainability Coalition, Earth Week is targeted toward a larger audience of students, faculty and staff than in the past, organizers said.

"The idea for this year was to have a broad range of events to attract a broader cross section of people," said coordinator Cindy Shea.

The week officially kicked off Monday, which was Earth Day, with games and booths in the Pit and a walking tour from campus to the N.C. Botanical Garden.

Shea said one of the coalition's goals is to make a walking path from the campus to the garden. "The conservation garden is there to preserve biodiversity," she said.

The Smart Growth and Sustainability Seminar will take place today and will feature speakers addressing issues like the creation of communities that are more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

David Godschalk, a member of the N.C. General Assembly's Smart Growth Study Commission, is scheduled to speak at the event. Godschalk will discuss how the University's Master Plan, a 50-year blueprint for campus development, embodies smart growth principles, specifically referencing plans to make the design of South Campus more similar to North Campus.

N.C. State University Professor Nancy White also will address the importance of protecting natural systems during development.

"(Protecting natural systems) is not only more aesthetically appealing but also protects the environment better," Shea said.

D. R. Bryan, developer of Southern Village -- a mixed-use development in Chapel Hill -- will speak about the economic feasibility of planning according to environmentally friendly policies.

Thursday's events include presentations of a model sustainable residence hall room and office, which are designed to educate students about purchasing more environmentally efficient products.

"This should be of interest for students who are thinking about moving off campus because it reduces utility bills," Shea said.

A sustainable transit table in the Pit also will be staffed Thursday by members of the Triangle Transit Authority, Chapel Hill Transit and the UNC Department of Public Safety. Representatives will be taking suggestions on transit improvements for the future.

The coalition also will present its annual report to Nancy Suttenfield, vice chancellor for finance and administration. The report documents progress in the past year and plans for implementing more sustainability policies on campus.

The presentation will be followed by the GreenGame Awards, which mark the end of a six-week environmental competition among all 11 residential areas on campus. Winners will be awarded cash prizes.

Shea said the purpose of Earth Week is teaching members of the campus community about how to engage in better environmental practices. "(We need to) think about the impact of our purchasing decisions and everyday processes on our natural life support system."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.