It was a typical cold winter night on Saturday, March 23, but students did not stay inside. Despite the chill, students gathered outside on Morgan Field for a bonfire hosted by the Center for Sustainable Education (CSE). The purpose of the event was to celebrate Earth Hour, which began at 8:30 p.m.
“Earth Hour is an international hour that started in Australia to raise awareness about climate change,” explained Maggie Rees ’13, an intern at CSE, “Cities around the world turn off lights to help eliminate climate change.”
The event was located in Morgan Field on the path leading up to Wittwer Hall. A circle of cinderblocks about two feet high created the bonfire’s pit. While volunteers loaded the pit with wood, The Peddler served warm beverages to attendees and the Infernos and Syrens performed.
People gathered closely around the fire to stay warm as well as roast marshmallows. Their faces were illuminated by the glow of the fire as they stood around talking, laughing and enjoying the outside.
“I appreciate the atmosphere [and] I think it’s a good cause,” said Devon Caldwell ’15.
“I thought it was a good way to support energy conservation,” said Monica Coran ’15.
Lindsey Lyons, assistant director of CSE, was very pleased with the bonfire.
“There were people passing through all night, differentgroups of people coming and going,” she said. “I think it’s been a great success. It’s hard to get these things done by the College, liability wise, but once it does and [students] come and everybody has a great time and behaves, it’s awesome.”
This event marked the beginning of four weeks of CSE events to promote energy awareness. One of these events is a weekly series called Go All Out. Students meet in Althouse 106 at 5 p.m. on Fridays for pizza and then turn off lights and unused computers around campus. These events are hosted by groups including Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, the Outing Club, Dickinson College Democrats, Red Devils Cheer Team, Pi Beta Phi, the swim team, the Treehouse, Jive Turkeys, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta.
There will be a bike to the farm event on Friday, April 26. Additionally, students, faculty, and Carlisle community members have the opportunity to meet at Market Cross Pub for “Green Drinks” once a month to discuss sustainability.
CSE is currently hiring interns for the summer and fall and is accepting applications for eco-reps. Contact [email protected] if interested.
