Culture

CULTURE Sustainability Committee Pushes Campus Styrofoam Ban

Maddie Schieder Staff Writer

As many living on campus know, the University dining halls have been serving all meals “to-go.” However, all of this extra styrofoam being used to enjoy food outside the dining halls is not good for our environment. Junior Environmental Science major Olivia Brown is a member of the Student Sustainability Committee on campus. She answered some questions The Villanovan had about this organization and its current goals.

The Villanovan: Can you tell us about the sustainability committee, as well as what you guys do and your role?

Olivia Brown: The Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) is a group of students from all majors across campus that are working towards making the University more sustainable in all aspects of Elena Rouse Staff Writer The online platform Zoom has become an omnipresent channel of communication as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform has been an essential tool in perpetuating the country’s businesses, schools and more. However, the effects of constant online interfacing have impacted the well-being of many Zoom participants. Coining it “Zoom fatigue,” participants who spend hours on video chats have encountered issues. Zoom fatigue can be described as the mental and physical exhaustion one faces from video-chatting for extended periods, and this reaction has multiple causes. According to BBC, Zoom has a negative connotation to the subconscious, as it is a reminder of the state of the world and how that has affected everyday life. Zoom also provides an unnatural learning experience. Projecting an image of the users back to them, it causes a hyper-awareness of how users are being perceived. As for the atmosphere Zoom creates, “Our minds are together when our bodies feel we’re not,” Gianpiero Petriglieri, a professor at Instead, said in an article for the BBC. “That dissonance...is exhausting. You cannot relax into the conversation naturally.” Zoom’s popularity makes it the point of contact for every class, club, church service and more, but the sudden lack of variety in the places of activity taxes the brain. This taxation relates to what is known as “Self-Complexity Theory,” which concludes that the brain thrives off of having different categories for differ- ent social situations. The less variation, the easier it is to be plagued with cognitive negativity, according to the BBC. Harvard Business Review life. There are a couple different groups within SSC such as food, water and energy, waste, collaboration, outreach and others that focus on a specific aspect within the University to try to change it for the better. I’m in the collaboration and outreach group, and we are working on projects that bring to light the poor recycling habits on campus, hopefully to be seen soon. We also try to collaborate with other clubs on campus and do joint projects or events that highlight sustainability in that club.

TV: What will the end of styrofoam do for our campus and community?

OB: The ban on styrofoam is long overdue and an easy fix, considering that we use it in some dining halls and not in others. If we are already buying the brown boxes for the Connelly Center, why can’t we have them in all dining halls? Although still not ideal, they are significantly better than styrofoam. We hope that the end to styrofoam will allow our relates Zoom fatigue to how humans stay attuned to conversation. The Review reports, “On a video call the only way to show we’re paying attention is to look at the camera. But, in real life, how often do you stand within three feet of a colleague and stare at their face? Probably never.” Constant staring through Zoom exhausts the human mind. The brain is forced to keep both constant attention to the screen interface, as well as to the appearance of what the preconceived ideas of attention looks like. People have to work twice as hard to read social cues, stay attentive and keep their eyes directed to their screen, all while distractions like roommates, text messages and other externalities swarm the environment. University students have also experienced Zoom fatigue. A handful of students, ranging from ages of 18 to 21, were asked a number of questions about their semesters thus far in regard to the new learning format. Several students had only a few administration to start consistently buying eco-friendly materials and stop buying horribly non-recyclable materials with the excuse of price.

TV: What other projects have you all worked on or plan to work on in the future?

OB: One project that we are specifically working on is creating an art piece to be displayed on campus made out of the plastic bottles people put in the trash instead of recycling them. This will show the bad habits we still have, combined with the idea of recycling, and it will hopefully make people more aware of their habits and the impact they can have. But, that is still a plan in the works.

TV: Where can students find out more about the sustainability committee in order to help our environment?

OB: You can find us on Instagram @villanovasustainability or subonline classes, whereas others had the majority or all of their classes online. When asked if they had experienced Zoom fatigue, all responded with the affirmative. They were then asked how online learning had been for them personally, if it had been hard or easy and if they could report any positive and/or negative effects. The most prominent commonality amongst the responses in regard to the negative effects of Zoom was the struggle to pay attention for long periods of time to a computer screen. “It is hard to pay attention, be organized and not be distracted while on Zoom,” sophomore Nursing major Kelly Bratton said. Sophomore VSB student Alice Ke noted that “discussion-based classes are very awkward, I try to participate as much as I can, but as one student I can only say so much.” Despite these troubling effects, students have found the positives in online classes. Those interviewed talked about the ease of being able to roll scribe to the sustainability newsletter every month.

According to the Collier County Public Utilities Department in southern Florida, “Styrofoam releases toxic chemicals into the food causing contamination which can be hazardous to your health. In addition, when exposed to sunlight, styrofoam creates harmful air pollutants which contaminate landfills and deplete the ozone layer.” Especially on college campuses, it is difficult to always be en- vironmentally friendly given the fast pace of life. However, taking steps, like creating a petition for change, is a start to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, as led by our own Sustainability Committee against the avid use of styrofoam. As shown on the SSC’s Instagram given by Brown, there are so many places to begin, such as alternatives to food, beauty and home products provided by the committee, and it is an excellent resource for students on and off

Zoom Fatigue Beginning to Affect University Students

campus.

out of bed for class without running from building to building, and upperclassmen relayed positive sentiments about the convenience of doing class from their off-campus homes. As Zoom continues to be the main source of communication for these trying times, University students have found ways of preventing Zoom fatigue. In attempting to combat online induced exhaustion, a few of the interviewees invested in blue light glasses to help with the eye strain, caused by long hours at a computer. Almost all respondents mentioned getting outside, taking breaks and limiting computer time when possible. Another highly recommended practice was to vary where online classes are taken. A few students highlighted the avoidance of taking class in one’s dorm, recommending different buildings around campus to give more diversity to one’s schedule and in turn helping with class engagement. As COVID-19 continues to affect the way students learn, it is important to note how Zoom can affect its users. However, through interviewing just a handful of students on and off campus, it is clear that they bear a resilience aided by both the desire to learn and the love for the University. In regard to Zoom fatigue, senior Civil Engineer major Marlee Newman noted that it is important to keep “engaging with professors and asking more questions, because I feel like they get Zoom fatigue too.” Focusing on the well-being of others, Newman’s response exemplifies what it means to be a Villanova student during this time. Newman brings up the pinnacle combatant to Zoom fatigue, one that has been prominent in the actions of University students throughout the pandemic. With every wave of Zoom fatigue comes an even stronger University community, ready to combat the struggles together, to help one another and to further the Villanova mission.

Kaelin Trombly Staff Writer

While surrounded by racks of identical sweaters and ripped jeans, you begin to fill the plastic bin at your feet. You’re facing the ca- shier, watching her swipe each shirt with a scanner, stuffing your new collection of clothes into a plastic bag. You insert your card, despite the fact that your purchases will fall to the wayside of your closet in a mat- ter of a week. It doesn’t matter. The adrenaline from shopping carries you to the next store. Have you tak- en a second to think about the ethics of the company you are supporting? Have you stopped to think about why you were able to buy those pairs of shorts with loose change? Proba- bly not. Have you ever noticed while walking into a clothing store that the items in the window or on the shelves are vastly different than they were a week before? Sale sections of stores are rapidly growing as piles of untouched clothes are added to the collection. While seasonal releases of clothing lines used to be the norm, retail stores now release new items weekly, even daily, to keep up with consumer demand. Welcome to the phenomenon of fast fashion. Fast fashion can be described as cheap and trendy clothing that takes inspiration from the most recent fads and turns them into products for clothing stores at breakneck speed. The idea is to get the newest styles on the market as fast as possible, so consumers can purchase these new products at the height of their popularity. The process of fast fashion may seem harmless, but in reality, it forms a key part in the toxic system of overproduction, making Julia Stanisci Staff Writer Happy Fall, Villanova. It’s always sad to see summer go, but come on…pumpkin spice lattes, hot apple cider and sweater season — who can’t get behind that? While things are evidently different this fall amidst the pandemic, there are still so many ways to enjoy the season on and around the University’s campus. Just don’t forget your mask. Go pumpkin picking. How much more classic fall can you get than a pumpkin patch? There are many in our surrounding area, thanks to the lovely farmland of Pennsylvania. Sugartown Strawberries in Malvern is only 20 minutes away and takes visitors out to the patch in a tractor-drawn wagon. It also offers hayrides and sunset hayride-and-bonfire combos, and visitors can stop in the country store for fresh fall favorites. The patch is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and weekdays at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Go apple picking. Who doesn’t want to pick their own fresh apples? Nearby orchards, like Indian Orchards, which is only a 20 minute ride to Media, offer pick-your-own apples and other fruits. Visitors can fashion one of the largest sources of pollution in the world. According to World WildLife, it takes more than 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton shirt. In order to produce one pound of cotton, 1,320 gallons of water are required. This means that the crumpled tee you have stuffed in the back of your dresser is around 713 gallons of water wasted. Now picture how much water waste is used to create a mass production of cotton shirts. Not only this, but it has been reported by the Huffington Post that the average American throws out 68 pounds of textiles per year. In case the sheer wastefulness isn’t vexing enough, most fast fashion products are made with inexpensive, petroleum-based fibers that do not decompose, taking up landfills of space for decades to come. If fast fashion is so poor for the environment, why are consumers still succumbing to the industry? In short, the answer is money. The process starts with large corporations subcontracting manufacturers overseas to the lowest bidder, the goal being for buyers to spend as little money on production as possible. These factories, or sweatshops if you will, put the concern of production before that of employee safety. By paying less money for production, large clothing corporations are now able to charge consumers less for the products they sell. Despite the fact that everyone is looking for a bargain, there is one group in particular who is especially guilty of such: college students. So, as students at the University, what can we do to avoid the support of fast fashion industries? To start, stop purchasing products from these kinds of detrimental compa

Trombly urges others to stop shopping from brands that practice fast fashion. Courtesy of Kaelin Trombly Fast fashion brands we can For years, fast fashion has avoid are: Shein, H&M, Zara, Uniq- had a negative impact on the envi- lo, Forever 21, TopShop, Victoria’s ronment, the U.S. economy and the Secret and Urban Outfitters. Next, exploitation of factory workers, and start visiting your local thrift store, it lessens consumers’ sense of value. donating old clothes and buying As students, it is time to take a step from sustainable clothing companies. towards a greater understanding A few examples of ethical brands of the fast fashion phenomenon. that are against fast fashion include: We have the power to change our Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Reforma- behavior for the interest of a sustain- tion and Levi’s. able future.

Activites to Enjoy Near Campus This Autumn Season

nies. then treat themselves to some fresh apple cider donuts and cider from the country store. It doesn’t get better than that.

Go hiking. The crisp but not too cold fall weather is perfect for a good hike. There are so many trails around here, like Ithan Valley Park right down S. Ithan Ave. Take some time in nature and see the pretty colors of the changing leaves.

Bake fall treats. If you have a kitchen in your dorm or apartment, it’s time to get cooking. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies (pumpkin everything), caramel apples, toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds, apple pie and so much more. Stay tuned for The Villanovan’s Fall Cookbook, coming soon.

Stock up on fall clothes. It’s online (or thrift) shopping season. Time to load up on flannels, huge sweatshirts, new jeans, comfy PJs, fuzzy socks and so much more. Your bank account will hurt, but you know you’ll be thanking yourself later.

Go to the farmers market. Find all of your fresh fall favorites. Choose from just-picked fall fruits and veggies from local harvests or freshly-baked pies and goodies. Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne has impeccable donuts, but there are lots of other awesome options nearby as well.

Get ready for Christmas. Enough said.

There are so many ways to still enjoy this amazing season amidst all the COVID-19 global health pandemic. There are many safe and fun things to do to make life feel a little more normal, just

remember to be safe and mask up.

Devin Toolen

Staff Writer During the past few months of quarantine, thrift shopping has become increasingly popular among young people and for a good reason. The excitement of finding a cool jacket or a fun pair of pants is incom- parable. While thrifting is lots of fun, it can also be very overwhelming. Big warehouse stores overflowing with clothes, shoes and accessories can surely make your head spin. Howev- er, if you know what to look for, you might be able to alleviate some stress. Let’s go through some tips and tricks on how to successfully thrift shop. Upon entering any thrift store, I always find it helpful to go to a section where I know I’ll be successful. I tend to find great items in the men’s section, so that’s where I start. Here, one will be able to find graphic tees, oversized sweatshirts and blazers or button up shirts that can be worn over tank tops. The men’s section offers more variety with sizes, which is some- thing I find helpful when planning outfits. While perusing the racks, keep an eye out for any cool colors or textures that seem interesting. Pull pieces out and hold them up while looking in the mirror (most fitting rooms are closed due to COVID-19, so try to use your imagination). If a piece seems like something you could pull off, put it in your cart. After men’s clothing, I would recommend moving into the winter coat or jacket section. Leather, faux fur and longline coats are in this fall. Look through the racks and see if anything sparks any interest. Check the condition of the coats. Look at Chelsea Le Staff Writer The onslaught of fluctuating weather in Pennsylvania these last few weeks featured lows of 42 degrees and highs of 80, and the Class of 2024 has opinions. With demographics representing a plethora of regions within and outside the U.S., including 13 states, Puerto Rico, Cameroon, England and Ghana, 33 freshmen took a poll and weighed in on how to survive the inevitable freezing weather that approaches. In the first question, respon- dents were asked what temperature they considered cold: 60, 50, 40, 30 or under 20 degrees. 33.3 percent of students believed that 40 degrees indicated cold weather, 21.2 percent chose between 40 and 50 degrees, 18.2 percent picked 30 degrees and 6.1 percent answered that only under 20 degrees is considered frigid. These weathered individuals represented New York and Minnesota, while conversely, those who answered that 60 degrees was cold represented Florida, Arizona, California and Ghana. Despite being from New York, freshman Victoria Margena had to gradually adjust to the low temperatures within her dorm room. “The mornings and late at night are the worst because my room is super cold, but outside it’s not too the inside tag on these coats to see the fabric content. Different types of leather and fur vary in their ability to keep one warm during the winter, so have an idea in mind. Once you have the coats that you like, head into the women’s pants section. It can be very difficult to navigate this section in a thrift store because there are usually so many options for jeans and dress pants. However, walk through and look at the sizes on each of the pants. If some style, texture or color interests you, pull them out and try to imagine yourself wearing them. If you think the pants you found would work with your current wardrobe, add them to the cart. After women’s pants, walk through women’s tops and pajamas. Women’s tops tend to be smaller sizes, but if you are looking for something more fitted, this section is perfect. You can find tank tops or tight tee shirts to crop. Also, small button up cardigans are in style this season and can be found in this section. In regard to the pajamas, I always think taking a quick glance at this section is well worth your time. You might find some slip dresses or a silk cami that you can style for dinner or a night out. Before you leave the store, I recommend checking out the accesso- ries and extras section. Mini bags are trending right now, and I can guaran- tee that you will find something in the handbag section that will be a perfect addition to your closet. The extras section features a lot of random items, like games, picture frames and decora- tions. I like going into this section to look for antique glassware to use as flower vases. You won’t always find bad, especially when I’m in the sun,” she said. From another side of the world is Karl David Fotso, who is from Cameroon. The lowest tem- perature on average there is 55 degrees. “It’s been a bit of a struggle, but I’m adjusting,” Fotso said. “The hardest part is in the mornings, but I feel fine by noon.” When asked which month was the coldest, more than half stu- dents responded with January. 24.2 percent chose February, 12.1 percent chose December and only 6.1 percent chose November. Ironically, freshman Ryan Duff from Connecticut feels that winter has already arrived. “Normally, I’d still be wear- ing shorts and would continue to do so throughout early October, but this year, I’m already wearing jeans and hoodies mid-September,” he said. When offering advice on how to deal with cold weather, four respondents advised to layer up. Freshman Sara Shuaipi, a native to Pennsylvanian winters, advises bulking up on winter clothes. “I try to be as comfortable as possible,” she said. “Sweaters, sweatpants with leggings underneath, gloves and other warm clothing. My advice is to wear layers! Don’t forget to cover your ears, hands and your nose, which thankfully for masks, is going to be pretty warm!” Freshman Christina Jung something you like in this section, but I think it’s worth the visit. Thrifting is obviously great because of the extensive stock and low prices. However, it is important to realize the purpose of thrift stores. Yes, it might be “trendy” to be a thrift shopper, but realize that some people need stores like Goodwill to buy necessary items for themselves or their families. Keep this in mind as you shop. When you are getting ready to check out, go through your items and decide if they are things you truly need. If not, leave it for someone who needs it. Now that you have some tricks to find good items, go out and find a good thrift store. Look online or check out the social media accounts of thrift stores you are interested in and make sure to read reviews. Other people’s experiences may not determine your own, but it will certainly help you judge if a place is worth your time. In Philadelphia, I recommend going to Urban Exchange Project, Circle Thrift and Philly AIDS thrift, but there are so many more cool plac- es to check out. Do not let the stress of thrifting overwhelm you. With a little patience, you’ll be pleased with

Shirts hang on the racks at Urban Exchange Project in Philadelphia. Courtesy of Devin Toolen

Class of 2024 Reacts to Pennsylvania Weather

the results.

Courtesy of Dr. Beth Hassel

Graphs show responses to the weather poll administered by Le. Courtesy of Chelsea Le from Wayne, N.J. has a similar expetah-Gyamfi from Ghana has already rience to the cold. learned the trick to adapting to “I usually just wear multiple American winters. layers, and it is important to have a “Layer up,” she advises. really good winter jacket,” she said. “Jackets only over a short-sleeved “If it is really cold outside and my shirt don’t cut it, especially if you get hands are cold, I would put heat cold easily. Try long sleeves before a packs in my jacket pockets, so my jacket.” hands are warm. I also wear winter As winter encroaches and accessories like beanies, scarves and the temperature continues to drop, gloves when it gets really cold.” the freshmen are more than ready to Freshman Jennifer Atbrave the cold fronts.

The mission of inclusion never ends, even with Fall Festival 2020 be- ing virtual. With the 32nd Annual Fall Fest only weeks away, a few members of this year’s Special Olympics Com- mittee wanted to take the opportunity to shine a SpOtlight on some incred- ible athletes, and even better friends, that they have met throughout their years at Villanova.

Liz & Lily by Lily DuFour

At one practice freshman year, I met Liz, a seventh grade track runner who kept everyone on their toes. As a typical middle schooler, she thought she was cooler than I was, and truly she was. Now as a tenth grader, she is still active with her TikToks and Instagram Lives to keep me and her followers posted on what she is up to. Every week, I looked forward to seeing Liz and getting to know what was new in her world. We would do our weekly walk and talks and plan what her next life would look like. From Liz, I have learned that friendship can be shown in a variety of ways. That random hug I would get after a hard practice or the ridiculous selfies that we took remind me to always look out for how to appreciate one another. Inclusion starts with opening yourself up to new relationships and trying your best to connect with one another despite challenges. Liz showed me this and I hope that we can reconnect soon.

Charley & Molly by Molly Schwarz For so many practices, I attempted conversations with Charley in ways that I felt comfortable: with eye contact, words and concrete topics. Charley would have none of it because he did not like any of those things. He did, however, like making train sounds in order to get me to how you’re going to feed yourself. Last summer, I remember telling

react to them. So, I started making the train noises back at him and mimicking his reactive behavior. That’s when things clicked. The usually hyperactive Charley froze when I made the sound. He asked me, “Was that a train?” and then roared with laughter. Charley is a testament to how people like to connect in different ways. I assumed Charley would never want to be friends with me because of the way he acted towards me at practice, but, as soon as I made the effort to take a step into his world, he immediately wanted to be friends. Inclusion is a two-way street. We have to include the athletes, but Belle and Evans Breaded Boneless

Volunteers with Special Olympics Athletes.

Courtesy of SpO Media & Publicity Committee the athletes have to include us back as well. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to get to know each other, so that those unique connections can be made.

Brynne & Robbie by Brynne Wacker

Robbie is the definition of a firecracker and one of the many reasons why I have so much love for the Montgomery County Long Distance Running and Track team. When I went to my first athlete practice for this team, I was paired up with Robbie, and a smile did not leave my face for the entire two hours. Robbie will be the first one to make a joke at your expense that you can’t help but hyster- ically laugh at but is also the first one to give you the biggest hug and tell you how much he loves you. From singing countless karaoke songs together at Villanova Buddies, to pushing each other’s buttons at LDR practice, I feel so lucky to have met such a bright soul like Robbie. He has truly made me feel like a part of the Wicked Fast family, and I am forever grateful for our friendship.

Ryan & Steve by Ryan Weicht

Steve is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. Once you meet him, he will never forget you. Ev- ery time I see him, I am greeted with the friendliest exclamation of, “I know you!” Steve loves to chat about just anything, but one of his favorite things is pictures. Steve carries around a stack of printed photos of all of his friends and his different experiences. Featured in his collection are lots of Villanovans and the Philly Phanatic as well. Steve loves adding photos to his collection, and he has been kind enough to invite me to be in a couple of pictures with him. He is a talented and dedicated athlete who knows how to have fun even while competing. Steve almost always has a smile on his face and is likely to put a smile on yours as well.

All of us love Fall Festival and the energy that it brings to campus each year. However, we are trying to broaden the horizons of Inclusion and spread the message that inclusion is a year-round effort. It does not end on the Sunday of Fall Fest. Rather, it begins. The Strides 5k will be taking place Oct. 1 - 4, and the Inclusion Crew will be hosting a number of meetings and events open to all stu-

Culture Cookbook: How to Make Chicken Piccata Caroline Canally Chicken Piccata (college edition): Staff Writer Grocery list: If you’re like me, when you Chicken Breasts got your first college apartment, Butter you were simultaneously overjoyed Olive Oil to not have to eat chicken fingers Lemon Juice and French fries from Belle Aire White Wine Vinegar for one more day, yet at the same Capers time panicked at the realization Minced Garlic that you have absolutely no idea Pasta (Bow Tie Pasta Recommended) dents. my mom, “You have to teach me Instructions: how to cook.” Fast forward three 1. For chicken, follow the instructions months, it’s Aug. 10, and I am on the box (usually preheat to 375 and leaving for school in five days. I go bake on baking sheet for 25-30 minthrough a checklist in my mind. utes) What can I cook? I think of eggs, 2. Cook pasta according to directions macaroni and cheese, pasta and 3. In a pan, add 1 Tbsp of oil and maybe French toast. That is all. 4-6 tsp of minced garlic over mediFrantically and with the full um-high heat, stirring frequently for knowledge of my ignorance in the about 2 minutes kitchen, my mom begins to com4. Add ⅓ cup of white wine and 1 pile lists of recipes for me to make. Tbsp of capers to the pan and swirl The criteria? Meal prep under 30 until liquid is almost evaporated for minutes, cheap ingredients, at least about 3 minutes a little healthy and something I can 5. Add ½ cup of water and 4 Tbsp of reheat the next night (and maybe butter, swirling pan and cooking for the night after that). My personal about 3 minutes request is no raw meat. My mom 6. Add 2 Tbsp of lemon juice and and I both agree on this one. Here remove from heat is one of my favorite meals with 7. Plate pasta, chicken and pour dethe instructions so watered down sired amount of sauce over the plate that even I can do it once a week. and bon appetit. Courtesy of Caroline Canally