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Environmental Activist to Give Free Talk February 27 in Chico
New environmental programs continue to emerge around CSU, Chico’s campus. From A.S. Recycling to compost training to EARC programs, CSU, Chico is adapting to the sustainability trend.
David Chameides, an environmentally concerned journalist, will give a free talk entitled “Chasing Sustainability” on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall (PAC 134). The Institute for Sustainable Development and the Center for Applied and Professional Ethics is sponsoring Chameides’ visit to Chico State.
Chameides will argue in favor of practicing conservation within everyday life. He will focus on the over consumption of energy sources compared with the amount available.
“We in the US represent a fraction of the world’s population yet we consume 1/4 of it’s energy,” Chameides said. “If we continue at this rate, we’re headed for big problems.”
Because of their prominence, Chameides will address impending problems presented by Big Oil and Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth.” Chameides will address these issues but also relate them to ways to conserve through lifestyle changes.
“I think everyone is looking for the silver bullet — that one piece of new technology that’s going to make all of our problems go away. The reality is that many of the answers are right in front of us, but we need a radical shift in thinking in order to incorporate them into our daily lives. Conservation is the first step.”
As a freelance journalist, Chameides uses his knowledge about alternative fuels to write articles for Edmunds.com.
In an attempt to follow what he preaches, Chameides has already converted his car over to vegetable oil. His house also uses a 2.8 kilowatt solar system for power.
Chameides hopes to influence people to follow a similar path toward sustainability in their lives.
“I’ve found that most people, when confronted with the consequences of their actions, choose to make changes in their daily lives.”
He continues to promote his conservation message by teaching a course on renewable energy and sustainability to middle school and high school students. This message will also be carried through Green 2.0, a themed reality television show for PBS that Chameides is helping tolaunch.
Chameides’ has been involved in Hollywood for 20 years as a director and cameraman. Participation in the Residential Greening program for Sustainable Works of Santa Monica and environmental consultation throughout Los Angeles has provided him with a rich background in environmental science. He presently maintains two blogs, chasingsustainability.blogspot.com and 365daysoftrash.com and is working on a documentary about his year without throwing anything away.
By using his background, Chameides seeks to influence CSU, Chico students and community members to pursue sustainable lifestyles.
For more information, contact Department of Religious Studies professor Andrew Flesher, 898-5534, who is coordinating Chameides’ visit to CSU, Chico.
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