The University of St. Thomas is dedicated to becoming a greener, more eco-friendly campus. With that it mind, the Sustainability Committee, in collaboration with the Environmental Science and Studies Department, is planning a week’s worth of activities seeking to raise awareness for sustainability on campus. Clarence Sirmons, sustainability coordinator, is excited for the upcoming events.
“Continuing education is something that goes into creating a recycling and sustainability program,” Sirmons said. “There are new students on campus each year and sometimes we just need to remind students coming back.”
Monday – Meatless Monday
This year’s Earth Week events theme focuses on the planet, food and sustainability. Events will include Meatless Monday, a Sustainability Dinner, Campus Garden tours and a movie night to watch the multi award-winning documentary, “Dive!”
To begin Earth Week, the sustainability committee has partnered with Debra Moyer in Health Services to co-sponsor Meatless Monday from noon to 1:30p.m. in Crooker Center. Local restaurants will serve vegetarian and vegan meals to show that you don’t need meat to have a complete and balanced meal.
Tuesday – Sustainability Dinner
Celebrity Chef Ara Malekian will demonstrate how to source and prepare sustainably and locally grown produce and protein. A balanced, locally sourced meal, including gulf shrimp, Texas-grown potatoes and fresh produce from UST’s own campus garden partner, Plant It Forward, will be provided.
The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in Ahern Room, Crooker Center. Tickets are $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased online or through Clarence Sirmons, sirmonc@stthom.edu. Space is limited.
Wednesday – Campus Garden Tour
Representatives from Plant it Forward will offer tours of the local Plant It Forward garden, discuss how the farm share program works and talk about the seasonal vegetables currently available.
Tours will be held at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and will begin in the garden across the street from Guinan Hall, near 1302 Sul Ross.
Thursday – Movie Night: “Dive!”
The multi award-winning documentary follows filmmaker Jeremy Seifert as he dumpster dives into the back of alleys and gated garbage receptacles of Los Angeles’ supermarkets as they uncover the country’s careless habit of sending food straight to landfills. After the documentary Sirmons will lead a guided discussion about food waste. “Dive!” will be screened in Robertson 213, at 6 p.m. 3911 Mt. Vernon.