Focus on the Nation sparks discussion on Going green

By: Tara Pistorese

Posted: 1/31/08

In the next few decades, Americans will either make, or fail to make critical decisions regarding global warming, pollution and clean technology investments.

Focus on the Nation held a community fair at OSU yesterday, to educate young adults on proper steps they can take to have a positive impact on the environment.

Focus on the Nation is an educational initiative that is working to inform young adults about the irreversible impacts their current decisions will have on the environment.

One of the major issues addressed was the creation of "green jobs".

Green jobs are environmentally friendly career opportunities that focus on the go green movement.

The community fair also highlighted facts and uncertainties of climate change, polar ice, and global sea level rise.

A number of displays were arranged in the MU ballroom, each presenting a different issue in relation to global warming.

OSU Organic Growers Club was present in an effort to educate students on the relationship between sustainable agriculture and global warming.

"When we were invited to the event, we had to think about the connections," said Anne-Marie Chrisman, a senior in horticulture and spanish, and an avid member of the OSU Organic Growers Club.

"Yes, it is good for the environment, but how is that connected to global warming?"

The answer lay in building and protecting soil fertility naturally, thus eliminating the need for the over application of synthetic fertilizer that is common in conventional agriculture.

Building and protecting soil fertility naturally also eliminates large emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide.

Another popular display was "PlasTIC-TAC-TOE."

The game was created to heighten awareness on recyclable plastics.

"I encourage people to reduce their use of plastic if they can," said Paul Dorneth, a sophomore in chemical engineering.

"Less than 10 percent of everything thrown into a recycling bin is actually recycled."

For example, polystyrene plastics ,which are used in compact disk jackets, grocery store meat trays, Styrofoam, and egg cartons, are not cost efficient to recycle.

Among the speakers was Corvallis Mayor, Charlie Tomlinson who addressed issues such as climate change , and explained what Corvallis is doing to address these issues.

"There is a long history of student activity when it comes to environmental affairs in this community," Tomlinson said.

He went on to discuss two significant actions that will be occurring in the Corvallis community in the near future.

A series of town hall meetings will begin March 1st in reference to sustainability.

Also, a partnership between Corvallis and the Energy Trust of Oregon will form in an attempt to raise awareness on issues pertaining to energy.

"You, the student population, are a group that is invested in this because of your age group," Tomlinson said.

"The message tonight is to urge you to get involved."

The sustainability goal may be difficult to accomplish because the current situation is so complex.

A lot of work may be necessary to create a positive change but there are a number of ways for students to get involved.

"We have got to act quickly, decisively and profoundly," Tomlinson said.

Organizations and seminars are commonly held throughout the community and Tomlinson eagerly urged members of the OSU community to help.

One way students can help is to assist community officials in writing public policies pertaining to environmental issues.

"You energize us and that energy is infectious," Tomlinson said. " Young people matter. You are listened to. Speak with a loud voice."

For more information on Focus on the Nation visit focusonthenation.org.