Students Against Violating the Environment @ VSU

Recent Happenings

In February of 2006, 13 members of SAVE attended the 3^rdAnnual Southeastern Student Renewable Energy Conference at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The conference was organized by the Southern Energy Network, a regional organization that works on energy policy at campuses across the southeastern United States. Upon their return, they brought with them energy and knowledge to initiate effective campaigns at VSU, as well as the support of a rapidly expanding regional network.

By the Fall semester of 2006, SAVE had become increasingly involved in the evolution of a comprehensive recycling program at VSU, one that integrated the member-led residence hall collection with the university-led administrative collection. SAVE also initiated its first “Green Fee" campaign, in an attempt to create a budget for the research and development of energy conservation practices and the development of renewable energy technologies on campus.

Although SAVE was able to garner student support, and win a 21-4 vote in SGA, the Student Fees committee did not pass the proposal. Instead, $70,000 was given to Plant Operations to proceed with efficiency projects and evaluate the current state of Valdosta State’s energy practices over the course of the 2006 and 2007 academic years. This included an evaluation by the University of Georgia to determine what action steps must be taken by Valdosta State to ready itself for a comprehensive energy audit. This was considered a victory, even though the original goals of the campaign were not achieved.

In April of 2007, SAVE hosted an Earth Day event in Drexel Park and invited the entire community to celebrate and learn about their environment. The group considered it a successful event that hosted many speakers, including Mayor Fretti and President Zaccari, musical performances, and provided free food. There were activities for children and information on everything from recycling to perma-culture farming practices. Eco-friendly vendors from the South Georgia/North Florida area also enjoyed interacting with their market.

Currently, SAVE is working with various departments of the University administration to enhance the recycling program, which will host its official kick-off this fall. More importantly, SAVE is reinvigorating the Green Fee campaign with greater support and stronger statistical analysis. In Spring of 2008, The Southeastern Renewable Energy Conference will be hosted at VSU, which means that many SAVE students will be integral in the planning of this event that will bring nearly 500 students from all over the southeast to our campus.