ConnPIRG is working together with MTVU on the Campus Climate Challenge, which is a campaign to provide solutions to the issue of global warming, to host a free concert featuring Jay-Z.
The main goals of the challenge are to create campuses that use clean sources of electricity, such as wind and solar power, transform the use of energy in classrooms and dorms and educate students about real solutions to global warming.
ConnPIRG had a table set up outside the library Wednesday afternoon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and within that time period got about 130 new signatures for their Campus Climate petition, which brings the total number of signatures to just under 600.
The tabling included a speech from a member of the group, as well as banners and a 17-foot replica of a windmill that could be used to provide clean wind energy.
MTVU has their own campaign called Break the Addiction, which is urging students to come up with new and creative ideas to help save the environment. The winning school gets $25,000 to implement their idea at their university and perhaps more importantly to students, the free Earth Day concert on campus with Jay-Z.
While this is a certainly a good incentive for students to get involved, there are many students on campus who are already concerned about the state of our environment and are willing to do their part, concert or no concert.
"Global warming can only be fought one step at a time and we have to start to take those steps before its too late," said Alex Bernier, a 1st-semester civil engineering major and ConnPIRG student activist.
Some students already had ideas on how UConn could be more environmentally friendly.
"The university needs to use a lot less lighting when it's not necessary," said Steve Bouffard, a 6th-semester journalism major. "It's the one thing that consumes the most energy."
Kevin McAndrew, campus organizer of ConnPIRG, commented that when driving back to UConn at night from the highway, the entire campus is clearly lit up, while the rest of the surrounding towns are dark, because of the fact that so many dorms never shut off lights in the hallways or in the rooms.
ConnPIRG's main goal for this semester is to rally students and faculty to support the challenge, and help brainstorm new ideas that the university could implement, such as ways to upgrade buildings by installing solar panels or energy-efficient light bulbs.
Some other ideas for "green buildings" included less air conditioning and heat through better installation and use, and the use of cleaner energy sources.
A brochure provided by ConnPIRG offered five easy ways to help stop global warming: drive less, turn off your computer at night, get energy-efficient entertainment (appliances with an Energy Star rating), contact your politicians and join the Campus Climate Challenge.
