Gonzaga Prep’s Green Team got a head start on Earth Week over the weekend by partnering with LC, Shadle and the Spokane Riverkeepers for cleanup near the Witter Aquatic Center/Avista portion of the river.
“Make one small, sustainable change.” That was the simple challenge from Earth Week guest speaker Emily Wright, whose presentation “Let’s Talk Trash” shared some tangible statics about waste and recycling in the Spokane area while offering ways to work toward (almost) zero waste. Students filled the Black Box theater and came away with some tips that start with mindfulness about their own consumption. Wright is the community engagement coordinator for the Washington Department of Ecology.
“Keeping raindrops where they fall.” That is the focus for 2007 alumnus Kevin Kunz and his startup, Aquipor, whose permeable sidewalk material aims recapture water so that less will flow into gutters and down the drain and overwhelm wastewater infrastructure. Kunz spoke to students as part of Earth Week, encouraging them to explore their ideas. “Talking about climate change can seem negative, but there is hope,” he said. “Believe in innovation.”
“Work with nature and not against it.” Wednesday’s Earth Week guest speaker Ben Chu shared with students how dualistic thinking shaped wildfire management for almost a century and the destruction it has caused. Instead, he encouraged students to start thinking about dualisms, and how to transform them and improve outcomes for our environment. Chu is a specialist for ecological spirituality at Gonzaga University.
Science teacher Boyd Whetzel reflected on “The sweet and simple serenity of solitude” at the conclusion of weekly Mass, which also offered intentions for the Care of our Common Home. Read Whetzel's reflection here.