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The Earth Charter Summit kicks off  Oct. 6 at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with another interesting lineup of guest speakers and events.

The summit will be held from Oct. 6-10 at various locations and buildings around campus.

Sustainability has long been an important value of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Twelve years ago, UW Oshkosh became the first institution in the state to sign a document called the Earth Charter. The Charter’s message advocates many important values that center around the promotion of respect, responsibility and compassion for the Earth and its many diverse communities.

“To me, the charter means being a good steward of the Earth,” said Brad Spanbauer, the chair of the summit’s planning committee. “It’s important to be a good global citizen.”

The Earth Charter Summit will provide students with knowledge and opportunities that can help them get involved in the university’s efforts to reduce waste, preserve nature and foster respect. The summit features a variety of functions including guest speakers, a bike expo and even a forum for students to interact with Wisconsin state assembly candidates.

The week-long series of events also draws attention to UW Oshkosh’s efforts to promote and encourage the purchase of Fair Trade products on campus, such as coffee, chocolate and a number of products sold in the University Bookstore. UW Oshkosh is launching a new series of videos promoting its distinction as the first Fair Trade university in the United States — it earned that title in 2008 — and its ongoing commitment to support Fair Trade practices and products.

 

UW Oshkosh’s commitment to the charter can be seen by the policies it has applied on campus. It has become the first University in the nation to become fair trade. That means that when given the option UW Oshkosh will always choose the most ethical and environmentally friendly products and services.

The University had also implemented several technologies to reduce its use of resources and help better manage waste. Energy efficient lighting and bathroom fixtures occupy many of the buildings and several solar panels around campus help power them. Spanbauer noted that UW Oshkosh also boasts a state-of-the-art biodigester that is the only one of its kind in the western hemisphere. The biodigester turns organic waste from the University into usable energy.

Spanbauer said students can help the University further promote its sustainability undertakings by attending some of the events hosted by the summit.

“Students can get involved on campus by tying their environmental efforts with something they are interested in such as gardening, recycling or social justice,” he said.

Spanbauer thinks it is important for students to educate themselves about what is happening in the community and around the world to provide a better perspective on why the Earth charter exists and how it can be optimally implemented.


A full schedule of events for the Earth Charter Summit can be found on the UW Oshkosh Sustainability website.

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