By Karisma Boyd

SARAH Martin is a sophomore nursing major and Eisenhart Community Scholar. SpartanGreen is a part of her Independent project.

The Spartan sent her several questions related to her project ahead of Earth Day on April 22 and York College’s sustainability awareness campaign from April 19-29.

It will involve a number of events spread throughout the week and a half, developed by President Pamela Gunter-Smith’s task force for sustainability on campus. Click here to access the YCP sustainability awareness campaign schedule.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10 how much do you think climate change threatens your personal health and safety?

A: I would say a 6/10. I think it is definitely a threat, but I would consider it more long term and into the future. There are a lot of other threats that can cause immediate harm to our safety.

Q: What are some possible misconceptions students can have about the topic of sustainability?

A: I think some students think that small actions don’t make a difference. But, in fact, even picking up a few pieces of trash does because possibly other people driving by see you and you spark an idea in them. Then they do the same with their family or friends. Small simple tasks that everyone can do so easily make a difference because it means that a person is consciously aware of their actions and how they affect the Earth. I think there is also a misconception that sustainability is expensive. I think people think you need to buy organic or only equipment made from plastic. Sustainability does not solve all of Earth’s problems, but it can help save our Earth and prevent some of the problems from worsening.

Q: What is the mission of SpartanGreen and when was it established?

A: SpartanGreen gives students an opportunity to volunteer in service-related initiatives for the environment. The events occur on Earth Day (April 22nd) from noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. It is available to all York College students who want to participate. It offers both on-campus and off-campus events in the York community with transportation [limited] provided to those.  It was established this semester as my Eisenhart Community Scholars Project. I have always been passionate about the environment and have been a nature kid, so I created this project because it is an area of interest and of concern in the world.

Q: Is SpartanGreen a permanent campaign and, if so, what does SpartanGreen hope to accomplish for the future on the York College Campus?

This is the first-ever SpartanGreen, so we hope for it to continue and become an annual event at York College. That all depends on how successful it is, but I think even having 25 students would be a success. Having even a smaller number of students feel empowered to make a difference and spread the word about Earth Day would be a huge success. I would love for SpartanGreen to continue and become a planned part of Sustainability Week in the future.

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