Clubs unite for ‘green’ initiatives

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu
Contributions by Danielle Lazard

Co-Presidents Victoria Priester and Dave Hiller hosted the first Flagler College Greenpeace student chapter meeting since being approved by the administration.

Students now have the opportunity to be a part of the non-profit international organization that helps give back to the environment in over 30 countries worldwide.

The Greenpeace organization addresses many varied environmental issues with a primary focus on efforts to stop global warming. Some other concerns of this organization are nuclear energy conservation, protecting ancient forests, campaigning for sustainable agriculture and more.

“I wanted to give back to the community, and school by bringing the Greenpeace chapter here and show that Flagler College cares.” Hiller said.

Greenpeace will be working in conjunction with Student Government Association Green Committee and outdoor club on their first project. They will be working on building gardens — on campus and throughout St. Augustine. The program is called the Flagler College Hunger Initiative.

Originally proposed by SGA Green Committee First Chair Chuck Riffenburg, the plan is to build gardens around the community, and use the food that is grown to feed the hungry and the needy. The gardens will feature beats, broccoli, carrots, corn, and many other vegetables.

“We have gotten about 70 signatures for the hunger initiative project and this idea is something many people have expressed interest in,” Hiller said.

Although they are helping with the FCHI, the focus of Greenpeace this semester is climate change. They want Greenpeace to build awareness about global environmental policy.

Possible future projects for Greenpeace include an organized clean up of St. Augustine Beach and the Lincolnville area and campaigns to help protect and conserve the environment.