News Detail
Earth Day Fair Raises Student Awareness
Members of the Students Against Violating the Earth (S.A.V.E.) hosted Loyola Academy’s annual Earth Day Fair on April 28. This year’s theme was “Innovation to SAVE Creation.” Exhibits in the student center and on the quad emphasized the important role of technology in creating a sustainable world and combating climate change.
“The first step to solving any problem is awareness,” says S.A.V.E. member and environmental science student Kara Thomas ’17. “That’s what we were promoting.”
Student-created displays in the student center presented detailed information on everything from 21st century farming techniques and alternative wind and solar energy options to fair trade processes and the United Nations’ efforts in ecosystem management and environmental governance. Student photographers sold nature inspired images of flowers, animals and landscapes. And representatives from Loyola University’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability were on-hand to discuss their strides in providing sustainable housing options on campus.
One of the highlights of the day was the “blender bike,” which utilizes the physical pedaling of students and faculty members to power a blender that produced fresh fruit smoothies. The bike was rented from Climate Cycle, an organization in Chicago that promotes student environmental awareness and problem-solving.
“We were trying to encourage pedal power over car transportation since we just studied climate change and energy use in class,” explains Mrs. Jennifer Snyder of the science department. Students from Mrs. Snyder’s two Honors Environmental Science Service Learning classes facilitated the activity. “We made strawberry banana smoothies in thirty seconds of pedaling and engaged students and faculty in discussion about transportation, energy and climate.”
Watching classmates and teachers ride the smoothie bike was a favorite part of the fair for many students. “Some of them got very into it, with friends cheering them on,” Thomas says. “It was fun to see students get so excited about an activity.”
Outside on the quad, students had the opportunity to explore two electric cars—a Chevy Volt, owned by chemistry and natural and physical science teacher Joe Dahm, and a Tesla Model S owned by physics teacher Kevin Warnke.
It was a day of hands-on learning and a chance for students to learn about their collective impact on the environment. “I hope students learned that everyone can make small changes to help combat climate change,” Thomas says.
“Environmental stewardship is one of the key messages of Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si,” adds Mrs. Julie Nold, S.A.V.E. club moderator. “As a Jesuit school, we are tasked with communicating the importance of living sustainability.” Mrs. Nold teaches Spanish in the foreign language department.
In its commitment to sustainability, in recent years Loyola Academy has removed styrofoam cups from the teachers’ lounge, changed to paper or plant-based products to serve food in the cafeteria and supported the student-led and school-wide project Revolution H20, which replaced plastic water bottles on campus with boxed water.
Loyola Academy
1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089 | 847-256-1100
Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.
© Copyright 2020 Loyola Academy