By Dan Levine
(Orignially published on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 in The Chronicle)
There is a growing sense of urgency throughout the world to sustain the environment, and the Savannah College of Art and Design is no exception. Many students, staff and faculty have altered their lifestyles to become more environmentally friendly. In addition, changes are taking place at the college.
For example, Richard Arnold Hall, located at Bull and 35th streets and scheduled to be ready for fall quarter, is being renovated with the goal of achieving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification. Old fixtures will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and replaced with new, lower-impact units.
The faculty copy center no longer accepts requests for single-sided reproductions of syllabi and other documents.
In addition, there is a pilot program for recycling in Eichberg Hall. Some residence halls have also begun their own recycling programs.
Some people may ask why the college doesn’t do more. However, I would challenge those who are waiting for someone else to change the world for them to take action now and become part of the solution. Do something, no matter how small, such as switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, turning down the hot-water heater to 125-130 degrees or turning off the computer — at the power strip — when it won’t be in use for an extended period of time. Start a recycling program.
Think about this in terms that relate to President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech; he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” It is your world and your future. Everyone has the power to change it. Anyone who needs information or assistance about how to do it can contact Project Green, a student group that has already engaged in sustainable practices, or any member of the Council for Sustainability and Eco-practices at SCAD (see below).