By SIONA SHISHAK
This past Tuesday, climate activists held a conference at Peace Trail. Representatives from Healthy Climate Wisconsin, Faith in Place, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Climate Action Campaign came together to discuss harmful energy sources. Beloit’s beloved professor, Pablo Toral, also spoke at the event, advocating for stricter regulations regarding local gas plants. The speakers called upon the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen existing regulations regarding gas plant emissions. The executive director for Healthy Climate Wisconsin, Abby Novinska-Lois, made an alarming claim regarding the effects on our community; noting that the air quality in Beloit communities close to the gas plant has measured at about 150. A range of zero to 50 is considered good.
West Riverside Energy Center is a natural gas facility located about 8 miles from campus. As stated on Alliant Energy’s website, “The generating station produces enough power for more than 550,000 homes.” When discussing energy solutions, there is no quick fix. Upon first glance, it appears that this center may be taking steps in the right direction. The website claims that an “integrated solar facility” is located on the property; however, it only functions as an auxiliary power source. While solar power may be used to power equipment, electricity, or other onsite resources, all exported energy is still gas.
Yet, there is hope. Dr. Ciaran Gallagher, the manager of Clean Wisconsin Air and Energy, argues for “the implementation of clean energy; wind and solar.” She goes on to say, “Shut down these plants, and let’s use renewables.” These statements are honorable, but they don’t pose a true call to action. So- what can Beloit students do to support sustainable energy efforts? In Beloit, students have access to many environmental advocacy opportunities. One method would be to work with local government officials and community leaders to promote sustainable energy initiatives. One easy way to engage with leaders in our area can be done right from your dorm room! Phone calls and emails may be small actions, but they demonstrate what issues voters are prioritizing and may influence changes in policy or priority. Currently, the “Beloit Sustainability Initiatives” are linked under the City Manager page, most recently updated on November 10th. Public contact information is listed as (608) 364-6614 and GabrielatosJ@beloitwi.gov. In 2007, the city of Beloit approved the “Eco-Municipality Sustainable Guidelines for the City of Beloit”. Goals of this initiative included reduced dependence on: fossil fuels, chemicals (“that can accumulate in nature”), activities that damage ecosystems, as well as the anticipation of future needs. It’s unclear whether these ambiguous guidelines have since been met. While this group is currently inactive, the city does provide residents with a link to the most recent sustainability forum, which occurred in February 2022. To view the forum video or to access the materials from the meeting, readers can visit this link: https://www.beloitwi.gov/sustainability An additional 2021 proclamation available on the website is the city’s official dedication to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. To get involved with future endeavors in Beloit, check out this page: https://www.beloitwi.gov/council.
Students can also reach out to environmental organizations based in Wisconsin, such as the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative or Renew Wisconsin. These groups often welcome student involvement and may offer opportunities for collaboration. However, there are opportunities even closer to campus!
Here on campus, there are several environmentally focused groups. One of Beloit’s career channels is Sustainability, which aims to prepare students for careers that tackle challenges such as “food security, clean energy, climate change, sustainable development, and access to clean water.” For more information, students can visit https://www.beloit.edu/channels/sustainability/ or contact coordinator Professor Tedesco at tedescom@beloit.edu. Even if you’re not interested in a career in sustainability, there are still many opportunities to get involved. The Outdoor Environmental Club (OEC) regularly hosts activities off campus as well as hosting events at the OEC house. The student-managed Beloit Urban Garden (BUG) grows seasonal produce and teaches students the skills necessary to maintain a sustainable garden. Beloit also offers many courses regarding the environment- and not only in the Environmental Studies department. Regardless of your major, you can explore environmental issues in Philosophy, History, World Languages, Media Studies, and many more departments. This past week, several students demonstrated their dedication to the environment via engaging seminars at the Beloit and Beyond conference.
Day to day, there are many small things we can do to live sustainably. Students can make a significant impact on sustainability through mindful choices in their daily lives. Simple yet effective actions include reducing energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, opting for energy-efficient appliances, and using natural light whenever possible. When you leave your dorm, remember to turn off lights, appliances, and taps. Choosing sustainable transportation options, such as walking, biking, or carpooling, can decrease carbon footprints. Embracing a plant-based diet or incorporating more locally sourced and organic foods into meals reduces the environmental impact of food consumption. Next time you go to eat a meal at Commons, only take what you know you will eat. You can always get seconds! Food wastage is an issue that many college campuses face, especially in buffet-style accommodations. Prioritizing reusable items over disposable ones, such as water bottles, containers, and shopping bags, also helps minimize waste. Engaging in recycling programs on campus and being conscious of water usage further contribute to eco-friendly practices. Additionally, staying informed about sustainability issues and advocating for green initiatives within the campus community fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. By incorporating these choices into their daily routines, students play an active role in creating a more sustainable and resilient future. Although the environmental future of Beloit is largely dependent on the decisions of policymakers and energy companies, a sustainable tomorrow begins with us.
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