The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Progressive picnic to talk about environment

Not only did the sun provide Sunday's Progressive Picnic with a pleasing environment, but it also helped cook burritos.

A few steps outside of the Carbondale Town Square Pavilion, Aur Beck watched the cheese melt as the temperature inside his oven reached 160 degrees.

Beck had a table set up inside the pavilion selling solar power equipment and technology, which he said is not only his job but his life too.

Sunday's Progressive Picnic, which was sponsored by the SIUC Student Environmental Center, lasted more than six hours, included more than 15 local speakers and musicians and brought out more than 200 people.

Ashley Green, first year doctoral student in literature and member of the student organization, said the event was planned to provide environmental awareness and information.

"We wanted to let people know what environmental groups are available," Green said. "And to be aware, be educated and get involved."

Green, along with Justin Maxson, a senior in outdoor recreation management, spent more than a month planning event.

Wayne Weiseman, the first speaker and an organic farm owner, talked to the attendants about change.

"We need to make a conscious change," Weiseman said. "We need to pay attention to the environment."

City Councilwoman and University law professor Sheila Simon spoke about how to make change on a "teeny tiny level."

As a child, Simon said she wanted to be the president to make a difference and said even as a city councilwoman, she can still make a difference.

"We all influence each other," Simon said. "There is always something people can do to make an immediate impact."

Riding her bike to work and hanging her laundry to dry are two positive ways Simon said she is making a difference in the environment. She also said various committees throughout the city can provide a place where students can help make a difference.

Rich Whitney, the Green Party candidate for the state representative in the 115th District spoke about environmental and social issues of road expansion.

Whitney, who is endorsed by the Student Environmental Center, discussed proposed road projects, including widening Hwy. 127, extending Interstate 66 through parts of the Shawnee Forest and widening Hwy. 13 to six lanes.

"I'm opposed to all of these projects," Whitney said. "And I'm opposed to the constant belief that every project is a good project."

Whitney said such projects are not only unneccessary and harmful to local farmers and economy, but they also affect the environment.

After saying he believed people rely too much on automobiles, Whitney said he is fighting for high-speed railways, which could reduce congestion and pollution in the area.

"We need to protect the integrity of Southern Illinois and its environment," Whitney said.

Inside the pavilion, transfer students Jacob and Elizabeth Dunlap watched the band Tangent perform. They joined the student environmental group last week and said they came to the event to learn more about local environmental issues.

"I think it was a big success," Jacob Dunlap said. "And it definitely got the message out."

Alan Vasquez, one of the event's performers, said he was happy to be part of such an important event.

"There's nothing else I'd rather be doing on such a beautiful day," Vasquez said looking out of the pavilion into the then-darkening sky.

 

 

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