Ohio University’s Walter Hall was transformed into an art show promoting sustainability Tuesday.
OU’s Office of Sustainability held their first annual Earth Day Reception and Awards Ceremony.
The event “love yOUr earth” featured Leslie Schaller as the keynote speaker, who serves as director of programming of the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks, an economic development organization focusing on rural Southeast Ohio.
“I’ve always felt that we have to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk,” said Schaller when discussing efforts made by locals in the realm of sustainability. “A lot of the nonprofits in our community have stepped up to the challenge (of creating programs and doing business that is considered more sustainable).”
Schaller spoke about how local farmers and food entrepreneurs have worked together to create a community focused on conserving its resources.
“I think what we really need to think about is the… power we have as a community,” said Schaller.
Schaller said the challenge is to coexist, build upon what we already have and share it with others. Food is the ultimate common ground that everyone shares; that is why sustainability efforts relating to the food industry are so important.
“Think about the responsibilities we have to the next generation,” said Schaller, who also focused her discussion on the consequences and rewards future people will reap due to our actions.
Mackenzie Henry-Hoegler, a freshman studying business who spoke at the event, said the main reason for having the reception was “to bring awareness to everyone around the Athens community… that is making a difference in the environment.”
“I think it turned out great … the turnout has improved a lot,” said Henry-Hoegler.
Though the office has always had some kind of Earth Day event, Henry-Hoegler said “nothing has been this developed.”
“A lot of the issues that the students are talking about here really relate to what we do in our different areas of work and we want to see OU as a really great partner of ours,” said Andrea Reany, an AmeriCorps Member at Rural Action Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative.
Additionally, six sustainability awards were given out to students, faculty members and departments for their contributions to OU’s campus and surrounding community.
ReUse Industries partnered with the Office of Sustainability,and held a competition and awards ceremony in conjunction with the Office of Sustainability awards, featuring art made using all recycled materials.
@w_gibbs
wg868213@ohiou.edu
