Here at Lakeland, students get involved on campus to protect the environment in many ways. A campus wide cleanup will occur from 2 – 4:30 p.m. on Earth Day which is April 22. Any student is welcome to help.
Phi Delta Omega Sorority and the Biology Club will collaborate to raise funds to donate to the Kohler Andrae State Park. This fundraiser will take place April 21 – 24. Each day the table will be open from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Additionally, students can ensure that they use the recycling bins and recycling dumpsters when appropriate. They can also try to minimize plastic usage and verify that they are shopping at environmentally friendly brands and stores. One way to check sustainability of brands is to use the website “Good on You.” Every little action adds up to an immense impact on the environment both locally and globally.
Many use artificial intelligence for school and just for recreational use, but AI is extremely harmful for the environment as it uses very high amounts of energy which leads to excessive carbon emissions. AI also uses large amounts of water, which is scarce in many places around the world. Instead of the water going to the needy, it goes to a machine.
While most people use Google as their preferred search engine, they may want to consider switching to Ecosia. Ecosia is an environmentally friendly search engine that uses all advertisement revenue to plant trees all around the world. According to their website, as of April 14, 2025, they have planted 229,126,296 trees in over 35 countries so far. They also help restore and protect biodiversity.
Professor of Biology, Paul Pickhardt, Ph.D., has implemented a new compost program with food service with the hope students will be heavily involved. Additionally, new plans for bikes to be brought on campus will help students get around instead of using their cars. Pickhardt also shared a new initiative outlining non-mow areas of grass on campus to increase biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions from lawn mowers.
