SMU hosts sustainability forums
As in past years, Student Life will once again be holding a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions that we can all take away to contribute toward a more sustainable future.
The series includes:
• “Sustainability, Leadership & the Human Spirit” — Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall
Sustainability is a concept with many potential meanings. To some, it is limited to issues of environmental concern. This forum will explore how we look into a sustainable future by engaging the environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects of sustainability. Finally, we hope to pose the question, “How do we become more fully human?” This forum features Dr. Scott Sorvaag, dean of education.
• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall
How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.
• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall
It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.
• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!
