Why a student led conference on environmental activism?
Schools dont think of themselves as polluters, but we contribute to local air and water pollution, habitat disruption and global warming. Our schools generate waste, both standard and hazardous wastes. We are consumers of agricultural production through the food we serve. Our purchases of paper, vehicles, fuel, and construction materials have a measurable impact. In most schools, students are exposed to the pesticides that are used routinely in buildings, playgrounds and athletic fields. They get further exposure through chemicals used in cleaning, and the additives, preservatives and pesticide residues in the foods we serve. There is increasing and alarming evidence that the cumulative effect of such exposure is demonstrably harmful. The task of changing our patterns of behavior and consumption to both prevent further damage and begin to restore our relationship is daunting. The small steps taken by our schools are laudable; as yet they are a series of unrelated actions. They can feel
