Roots and Shoots: a global organization grows at Cabrini, sprouts changes

SUE FRANCEK GUEST WRITER ERICSGRL88@AOL COM

The typical college student uses a printer everyday. When the print cartridge runs out, chances are it will get thrown out in the trash. This same student will then throw out used note paper and empty glass bottles. This college student does not realize it, but these actions are like throwing away money. One group on campus is trying to get everyone to be aware of this and hopefully make a difference by creating change.

Roots & Shoots is a global organization that was created by famous scientist Jane Goodall in 1991. Goodall is most famous for her study of primates, which happens to be the logo for her Roots & Shoots organization. Her main goal behind creating this foundation was to inspire today’s youths to make a difference in their communities and become involved in their environment. She wanted all children to be able to have some way of giving back to nature because she realized through her own studies how important nature is to everyone.

The Roots & Shoots Organization was started here on campus last year by the Education professor Dr. Rumpp. Dr. Rumpp recognized the need to instill in children a love of the environment as well. Using one of her science classes as a springboard for membership, she formed this school’s chapter of Roots & Shoots last fall to create awareness for environ- mental issues on and off campus. One of the first ventures the group decided to embark-on was to pursue recycling. They saw the need for recycling on our campus and wanted to see changes take place. This program was started last year, but will be more heavily pursued this year.Boxes will be located all around campus to drop off old ink cartridges. Once cartridges are dropped off, the Roots & Shoots members will package them and send them out to the recycling center.In return for their actions, the centers will provide some monetary reimbursement to the group, which will go directly to their other pursuits on campus. mental activities.

The group will also set up unmistakable blue recycling bins in Jazzman’sCafé this semester. These bins will collect plastic, aluminum, and glass to be recycled. At more heavily trafficked times, some groups members may be sitting by the bins. They will try to gently remind students of the importance of recycling these certain items and will provide literature on the vast benefits of recycling to anyone interested.

Interested in Roots and Shoots?

Next Meeting: Nov. 18

Time: 11:00 am

Contact: Dr. Rumpp

E-mail: pr723@cabrini.edu

Students can find these dropoff boxes everywhere around campus, including the dorms, houses, the Library, Jazzman’s Cafe and even the offices in Grace Hall. Business personnel are encouraged to drop off their cartridges as well, especially since they usually deal with larger laser print cartridges which will produce more money for the group. Old cell phones are also accepted and recycled too. With the holidays quickly approaching, chances are there may be a few phones that will no longer be of service to some students, but that could be recycled for more of this club’s environ-

Besides recycling, this group has created other environmental centered projects for Cabrini. One great endeavor to take note of is the nature trail. The new nature trail that is located behind the S.E.T building was the brainchild of Dr.Rumpp and the Roots & Shoots club. This trail winds through the scenic forest behind the building, offering refuge points to stop and reflect on the true beauty of nature. Eventually, this trail will be used for Elementary teachers to bring their classes for ecology field trips. The Roots & Shoots group is having a bench made in their honor that will be placed on this trail, so visitors can have a place to rest and relax along the way. They are also in the process of installing bat boxes, to draw bats that can keep those nasty bugs away, and bird feed- ers, to lure these beautiful winged creatures to stop and make residence here at our school.

The Roots & Shoots group is always looking for new suggestions of how they can better the Cabrini environment. Any comments are always welcome. Stop by one of their monthly meetings to learn more. The group consists mostly of Education majors, but anyone is welcome to join. Their next meeting, which will be held on November 18th at

11:00 a.m., will consist of elections for new officers. Anyone interested is encouraged to stop by. For more information, visit www.rootsandshoots.org, or email Dr. Rumpp at pr723@cabrini.edu.

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