student activists

The Barnard Eco-Representatives one of Conscious Lifestyle’s ventures, has a new website! These 10 students from Barnard College organize educational programming to help students live “environmentally-conscious” lifestyles. On their site you can learn even more about the EcoReps, what they do, and even get involved in Earth-friendly campus happenings. Take a look at their Green in NYC page, which has lots of good info about eco-friendly activities, restaurants, bakeries, farmers’ markets, and thrift stores in New York City. There are also some good tips on green living in general. Check out the The Eco-Reps today!

The Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy is sponsoring a nationwide essay contest for college students between the ages of 18 and 24 asking them to submit a plan on renewable energy, sustainability, and conservation for America. Each of three winners will receive an educational prize of $10,000 to coincide with the celebration of Earth Day in April.

But hurry: the essay is due by February 1, 2008. You can enter online here.

Students are asked to write a four- to six-point renewable energy plan for America, laying out a strategy for the next five to ten years that will minimize our current dependence on nonrenewable energy sources.

The essay contest grew out of a November 17, 2007, forum in which presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Dennis Kucinich spoke about global warming and America’s energy future. The event, sponsored by Grist and PRI’s Living on Earth, was presented by the Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy in partnership with League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, California LCV Education Fund, Center for American Progress Action Fund, and NRDC Action Fund.

Good luck!

Students from Hunter College recently took a trip to Staten Island to educate Ferry-riders on the perils of global warming.

...and they were dressed as polar bears...

so, I like this project for two reasons.

A) these students are approaching a serious topic with their tongue planted firmly in cheek.

In the wake of sobering films like An Inconvenient Truth and 11th Hour, it is beginning to feel as though we are getting a little wrapped up in the "doom and hellfire" rhetoric of the global warming dialogue. Which is not to say that the severity of the situation needs to be downplayed...not at all. But a little humor never hurts. So when something like this rolls around, a youtube flick that is both thoughtful AND funny, I feel like we are on the right track.

B) dude, sweet vid

Seriously, I'm totally impressed with the effort put into post-production here. As far as I'm concerned, all student activity should be documented as thoroughly and cleverly... It is built-in PR, and it rocks.