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Green Fee Lawn Event Press Release
Posted by Alex A. (admin) on Oct 31 2007 at 12:36 AM
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S.A.V.E. To Hold ‘Green Energy’ Rally On Patterson Lawn At VSU

The members of Valdosta State University student organization S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violating the Environment) will be hosting a rally on October 22, 2007 from 3:30-5:30 PM to increase student awareness of renewable ‘green’ energy alternatives and the negative effects of coal-based, pollutant-causing energy. This event will be held on the front lawn directly in front of West Hall and Bailey Science Center. Anyone interested in learning more about alternative sources of energy and other S.A.V.E. projects is encouraged to attend.

During the rally, participants will have the opportunity to take part in an eye-raising event – a body-art aerial photo! Participants will be aligned on the lawn to form a message encouraging students, faculty, staff and administration to support ‘green’ energy. While in formation, the rally participants will be photographed from the top of Bailey Center and the photograph will be used in future media events and press releases.

"S.A.V.E. members have been working very hard over the last two years to promote renewable energy on campus,” said senior S.A.V.E. member Mandy Hancock. “We are now part of a state wide network (Georgia Students for Sustainability) that is also promoting 'green' energy on campuses across the state. This is our effort to take up the ‘Campus Climate Challenge,’ which has over 500 schools working to change energy policies on their own campuses."

This rally ties in with the efforts currently underway by S.A.V.E. to introduce a new Clean Energy “Green Fee” to be paid by students as part of tuition each semester. A study conducted last year indicated that students would be willing to be pay an additional $9 each per semester, but the exact amount of the fee has still not been determined. Even a modest increase in fees would help bring ‘green’ energy to VSU while reducing the University’s usage of coal-based energy. Research has indicated that 76% of the energy consumed on campus is derived from burning coal, a major source of deadly pollutants.

During the rally, all attendees will be asked to sign petitions indicating their willingness to increase student fees for this ongoing project. S.A.V.E. will also be looking to add to its numbers by recruiting all who are concerned about ensuring a bright future for the environment and willing to lend their time, voices, and energy to this cause.

Anyone interested in participating in the aerial photo, signing the petition for the Green Fee, or just talking with S.A.V.E. members about how they can help should meet in front of West Hall and Bailey Science Center at 3:30 PM. Refreshments will be served while they last.

More information about S.A.V.E. can be found on their website at http://www.valdosta.edu/save or by emailing questions or comments to savevsu@gmail.com.

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