Campus kicks off Earth Week by deepening commitment to sustainable practices
In an effort to deepen its commitment to the ongoing “Belmont Goes Green” campaign, Nashville’s Belmont University announced today that all bottled water sales would be discontinued on campus as of May 16. The announcement, made at the start of the university’s annual celebration of Earth Week, furthers Belmont’s commitment to sustainable practices. Bottled water will no longer be available in the university’s fast food outlets or vending areas, and purifying filters are being added to any water fountains on campus that did not already have them.
Dr. Judy Skeen, professor of religion and head of Belmont’s Environmental Initiative, said, “As we surveyed ways that Belmont could improve its practices, the impracticality of bottled water came up over and over. Bottled water is shockingly expensive to the consumer and the environment. And given what we know about the quality of water from the tap and in the bottle, it’s completely unnecessary. Recycling the bottles doesn’t solve the larger problem of excessive resources needed to produce and transport something that is solely a convenience. We are delighted to move toward more learning and better practices as we care for the planet.”
At the start of the fall 2009 semester, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to purchase inexpensive, BPA free, reusable containers for obtaining and carrying water on campus. In addition, other beverages—such as juices, sodas and vitamin waters—will still be available in the campus dining venues in their standard packaging. For additional information, visit the Web links at the bottom of this story.
The discontinuation of bottled water is only one part of Belmont University’s Earth Week celebration. From April 20-27, the campus will engage in a variety of activities designed to raise awareness of current environmental issues and to celebrate the desire for a healthy planet.
Dr. Darlene Panvini, associate professor of biology and coordinator of the environmental studies program, said “Each year Belmont celebrates Earth Week through a variety of student-led events that are designed to raise awareness about the earth and to celebrate the earth. Some of the events are designed to challenge us to think about our actions and the impact those actions have on the earth,” said Panvini. “Ultimately those actions impact the human species since humans are dependent on the resources provided by earth.”
All events are free and open to the public.
Mon., April 20 at 10 a.m.
Free Market Approaches to Conservation
Scott Davis, who is the director of the Tennessee Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, will talk about the role of The Nature Conservancy, projects in Tennessee and where conservation may be headed in the future.
Hitch Science Building, Room 408
Wed., April 22 at 10 a.m.
Energy Plans for the Tennessee Valley Authority
Dr. Darlene Panvini, who is the coordinator of the Environmental Studies Program, and students in the Introduction to Environmental Studies course will present a variety of choices for energy plans to share how they would spend $14 billion on an energy plan for the TVA service area.
Hitch Science Building, Room 408
Thurs., April 23 at 7 p.m.
Dispatches from the Creation Care Movement
Ben Lowe, the author of Green Revolution and co-coordinator of the grassroots network, Renewal: Students Caring for Creation, will speak about the value of citizens coming together as a community to make a positive difference in the environment. Lowe will also discuss the Creation Care movement, which connects environmental awareness and issues to biblical and theological principles.
Hitch Science Building, Room 408
Fri., April 24 at 10 a.m.
Recycle – Why and How
Dr. Panvini and others will discuss recycling efforts on Belmont’s campus and will also answer questions about recycling, such as what happens to recyclables once they leave campus.
Hitch Science Building, Room 408
Mon., April 27 at 7 p.m.
Kilowatt Ours Film Screening
The film Kilowatt Ours explores how our electricity usage is related to mountaintop removal for coal and what we can do to reduce electricity usage. Members from Kilowatt Ours will also be available to discuss their outreach efforts and to answer questions. Kilowatt Ours is an organization that empowers communities to improve America’s environment, health and economy by educating and inspiring people to conserve energy and choose renewable power.
Hitch Science Building, Room 408
For more information on Belmont Goes Green and the discontinuation of bottled water sales, visit the Web pages below:
Belmont Goes Green
Frequently Asked Questions on Discontinuation of Bottled Water
