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March 7, 2003
Native Energy
While many Green Strides have already been initiated, some are
just coming to the foreground. The issue of Native Energy and the purchasing of
Green Tags will be discussed next Monday in the Ho lecture room at 4:15. This
lecture is just one step towards Colgate’s investments in green industry.
Native Energy is part of the new Energy Justice Initiative, which is
working toward a vision of alternative energy in the future. Native Energy works
with the Intertribal Council on Utility Policy, Honor the Earth, and the
Foundation for the American Indians to build and expand wind farms on Native
American reservations. Green Tag purchases, which are simply investments in
green industries, are essential to the success of the Native American effort. By
Colgate purchasing Green Tags to support wind power, our current less-ecological
energy use would be offset.
The Native Energy project raises awareness
about the problems of and potential solutions to greenhouse gas pollution and
renewable energy possibilities. Native Energy also encourages sustainable,
environmentally friendly economic development on Native American
reservations. By investing in Green Tags, Colgate would be showing support for
these causes.
According to Professor Bob Turner investing in Native
Energy is “a way for us to contribute directly to reducing US emissions of
greenhouse gases and a way to encourage the
development of the wind power industry.” Turner also said, “By
investing in Native Energy our dollars will have a bigger impact than if we used
them to be “green” electricity directly.” This is because
Native Energy supports new development of wind power rather than using existing
sources.
Students for Environmental Action (SEA) is organizing a series
of fundraising events to solicit support for Native Energy. The
events will take place in April, which is Earth Month. A Race to stop Global
Warming will occur during SpringFest (April 12th) and a Save the Ales Party
at the Commons is also being planned. Jin Lee, head of SEA, said,
“We hope to raise awareness about global climate change and clean
energy through these events, as well as bring out support from the Colgate
community for this environmentally and socially friendly
industry.”
Anyone who wants to learn more about Native Energy is
invited to attend the lecture sponsored by the Environmental Studies and Native
American Studies departments on Monday March 10 in the Ho Lecture Room at 4:15.
SEA also encourages all members of the Colgate Community to show support for the
purchasing of Green Tags by attending the EarthGate events in
April. Return to
Green Strides columns >> |
