Despite nightly rainstorms and violent winds, the excitement surrounding this week's Earth Week festivities radiated throughout campus. The Office of Sustainability and the Environmental Club have teamed up for the week to create entertaining and educational events open to the public.
"It's possible to talk about environmental issues without being depressed," Assistant Director of Sustainability Anthony Baratta said.
The Monday night viewing of "Project Nim" in the Peeler Art Center auditorium kicked off the week. Later that evening, a panel of students facilitated a forum on DePauw's possible divestment of fossil fuels.
Earth Week continued with the viewing of "Stop Monsanto from Poisoning Hawaii," which focused on the company's controversial production of genetically modified food, or GMOs, on Tuesday night.
The week gained momentum with a double feature event on Wednesday night. Baratta hosted a "Food for Thought" discussion, which focused on the importance of human dignity and the overall treatment of service workers on and off campus. The night continued with world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall's Ubben Lecture on "Sowing the Seeds of Hope" in the Neal Fieldhouse.
"We were thrilled to have Jane Goodall speak during [Earth] week," Baratta said. "We didn't plan it that way, but we're blessed to have her here."
Junior Becca Zucker was also pleased with Goodall.
"Most people know of Goodall nominally," said junior Becca Zucker. "But when you see her speak, you can understand what it is she's passionate about, why she's passionate about it, and how genuine her passion is."
On Thursday night, the Raise Hope for Congo Campaign Manager JD Stier headlined the "Conflict Minerals: What are they? Why should we care?" event in Peeler auditorium.
DePauw's efforts towards becoming more sustainable are evident to sustainability intern Alessandra Pistoia.
"I have witnessed the institution become more environmentally-minded in the past four years," Pistoia said.
Some of these efforts have been banning of sale of plastic water bottles and using food from our campus farm in the dining services.
Additionally, a program called The Move Out Program, has been established to donate students' unwanted items to community members.
Other student organizations such as the GreEco- Reps have aided in the removal of styrofoam cups in certain greek houses. The Environmental Club is also distributing reusable cups during this weekend's Little 5 festivities to promote sustainability.
"I am enthused at DePauw's continuous efforts towards more environmentally-minded," Pistoia said.
The weekend festivities include an "Elements" dance performance choreographed by sophomore Andre Williams. The performances will occur on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm in Moore Theater and is free to all.
On Sunday, the short film "Do the Math," on the recent climate changes, will be shown in the Peeler Auditorium at 7 p.m. A live stream from climate experts will follow the viewing of the film.
Earth Week will officially conclude on National Earth Day, which is Monday, April 22. The Environmental Fellows will host a screening and discussion of the film "Carbon Nation" at 7:30 p.m. in Watson Forum. Later, free food will be distributed by Good Eats on the Hub Patio at 5:30 p.m.