Easier said than done. With air pollution becoming more and more of a concern, Clean Air Week works to remind people about the impacts we have on the environment and equip them with the knowledge and tools to change that trend.
Throughout this week, University of Redlands students will have the opportunity to make a difference against air pollution through various events and activities put on by the Students for Environmental Action (SEA) Club. Along with tabling, educating and offering prizes, SEA Club will host a Tree Planting event on Wednesday, Oct. 2 – Clean Air Day – at the native garden between Hedco and Gregory Halls.
The MetroLink will also be providing free rides on all of its lines during Clean Air Day, which was arranged by the California Clean Air Day organization.
“Our goals with this week are to provide people information about the conditions they’re living in, increase awareness, and offer solutions to the issue of air pollution,” SEA Club President Sienna Hepworth said. “Additionally, we want to increase REAL change and awareness happening on campus, as well as get more people involved with SEA Club!”
Not everyone shares the same level of interest in environmental issues, but as Hepworth points out, such issues have an impact on everyone – even more so in this area.
“Knowledge about air pollution, especially in California, is so critical,” She said. “Although we think of California as a cutting edge state, in fact seven of the ten most ozone polluted cities in the US are in California! It’s so important that people know about the dangers of air pollution, and how they can do their part to diminish it.”
Hepworth, a sophomore from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is double majoring in Environmental Studies and Geographical Information Systems. This is her first year as President of the SEA Club, which is advised by Professor Valerie Rountree.
In addition to Clean Air Week, other events organized by SEA Club include a recycling competition amongst the first year halls, thrift trips, thrift swaps with Kappa Pi Zeta, Climate Action Week and Give-Before-You-Go Drives.
To learn more about how you can take environmental action as a Bulldog, join their meetings every Monday from 6-7 p.m. on The Quad, follow their Instagram page (@seauniversityofredlands) or email them at studentsforenvironmentalaction@redlands.edu. Those interested in learning more about air pollution can visit https://www.cleanairday.org/.
McKenzie Rose, a sophomore double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Journalism, serves as the Redlands Bulldog Editor-in-Chief this semester. McKenzie first dabbled in the world of journalism during high school by working as a freelance reporter with the municipal Hermiston Herald and regional East Oregonian newspapers near her hometown of Echo, Oregon. She enjoys running (participating in the university’s track & field and cross country teams), spending time with her pets, traveling and listening to good ‘ol country music!
