MPIRG and the Environmental Stewardship Committee are currently focusing on renewable energy, or energy obtained from sources that are naturally and continually replenished, and campus sustainability, which involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Last academic year, Augsburg was successful in organizing Focus the Nation and passed the wind-energy referendum that uses student fees to purchase wind-generated energy for the campus.

This semester, MPRIG is cataloging the number of students, staff, and faculty who commute to campus throughout the workweek. Car dependency is one of the main reasons the United States is the world leader in carbon dioxide emissions. Automobiles emit nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into our earth’s atmosphere. These byproducts are leading factors in poor air quality. Also, with gas prices constantly fluctuating, consumers need to explore alternate means of transportation. Minnesotans want cars that reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources, reduce health impacts from toxic emissions, and protect the air and the environment of our state.

The following brief survey is an audit to help with the President’s Climate Commitment, which will allow us to calculate our carbon footprint as an entire campus body. If you are a current student, staff, or faculty member who commutes to Augsburg College, MPIRG encourages you to complete the survey.

It is very important that we have participation from as many commuters as possible, as the input will help the College assess its impact on the environment. Filling out this survey is the first step to helping Augsburg reduce our carbon footprint.

Please complete the survey ONLY if you are a current student, staff, or faculty who commutes to Augsburg College.

Article by Laura Dixon

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Winona LaDuke works on issues of sustainable development, renewable energy, food systems, and environmental justice with Indigenous communities. She is the founder of the White Earth Land Recovery Project, one of the largest reservation-based nonprofit organizations in the country. In this project, she also continues national and international work to protect Indigenous plants and heritage foods from patenting and genetic engineering. The author of five books, including Recovering the Sacred, All our Relations, and a novel, Last Standing Woman, she is widely recognized for her work on environmental and human rights issues.

There will be a student discussion and Q&A with Ms. LaDuke from 2:10-3 p.m. in the Marshall Room, Christensen Center.

Convocation Class Schedule:

1st Period 8:00-9:20

2nd Period 9:30-10:50

Convocation 11:00-12:00

3rd Period 12:10-1:20

Remaining classes follow regular schedule

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