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OUR CARBON PAWPRINT

Photo Courtesy of Student Affairs 2 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 13, 2017 PantherNOW.com SO FRESH, SO CLEAN Office of Sustainability encourages low-carbon practices at University MARTINA BRETOUS “We’ve been working with departments much water are we using, things like that.” rise, or what they call sunny day flooding, News Director to try and see what they can do in their While the office does put a focus during high tides and we have … research own areas to increase our score on the on the environment, Dutton notes that centers on campus that go out, measure hile many believe different credits that pertain to them so we sustainability reflects a much bigger scale. flooding and we can see the trend over time sustainability are working on it,” Dutton said. “Hitting “... Sustainability, and a lot of people is increasing,” said Dutton. “And a lot of applies only to STARS gold is definitely a very hard goal get this wrong, is not just about the time, people think sea level rise is like a the environment, in a short amount of time so we’re getting environment,” said Dutton. “Sustainability slow tidal wave coming from the ocean but the Office of close to there and hopefully, we can reach is actually the intersection of three pillars that’s not the case here in South Florida.” Sustainability at the University strives to which is: people, planet and profit, which is Because South Florida sits on porous showW it comprises people, planet and profit. one reason why we look at our employees limestone, the ocean water comes from “The Office of University Sustainability [and their salaries].” underneath, Dutton says, penetrating the is here to make FIU green. So basically, Dutton says students can also participate rocks and going through the sewer system, our overall mission is to reduce our in these practices on their own and help which is why flooding can often be seen in carbon footprint,” said Alexandra Dutton, We have already experienced sea make the University more sustainable. areas that aren’t near the ocean. sustainability manager at the Office level rise, or what they call sunny “Our most popular program that we have The Office of Sustainability piloted the of Sustainability. “We do that through day flooding, during high tides is our Nature Preserve volunteer days …” RideFlag app in the spring, a carpooling education outreach with our students, and we have … research centers said Dutton. “We get a lot of students that service designed and customized for FIU, faculty and staff, and working behind the on campus that go out, measure are either there for extra credit … and we and plans on doing a “huge push for it” in scenes with the different departments to flooding and we can see the trend also get students who are out there because the fall after they’ve worked out some kinks implement projects, procedures or policies over time is increasing, they like to be in the environment and it’s in the application, Dutton says. that … affect us operationally.” like another form of working out.” “At FIU, we are largely commuter based Dutton says the office has many Alexandra Dutton The office also organizes events … so the carbon emissions from just students “reporting-type projects,” to the Sustainability Manager throughout the year including Campus commuting to campus is our largest force of Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment Office of Sustainability Sustainability Day, RecycleMania, and emissions which is why we work with the and Rating System —a nationwide self- various tabling events depending on what Department of Parking and Transportation reporting framework designed to evaluate the staff decides. to do carpool initiatives, or have electric universities’ sustainability performance— “I feel like we are in a time of transition vehicle charging stations and improve the and her role is overseeing those projects and and, especially for climate, we’re at a really public transportation around campus to the various programs carried out by the staff that by August.” crucial time where we need to make some other campus and around the community.” In 2015, President Mark B. Rosenberg The STARS rating evaluates Universities hard choices and changes to preserve our For more information on the Office of joined the American Campuses Act on in four areas: academics, operations, environment and planet for our future Sustainability, visit gogreen.fiu.edu. Climate, launched by the White House, engagement and planning/administration. generations and if we don’t make those and issued a six-part pledge to increase “We report things like how many choices, we will definitely suffer the Tune in to the Claw & Growl to hear low-carbon practices on campus. One of the classes does FIU have that incorporate consequences,” said Dutton. Alexandra Dutton, on The Roar, Student University’s goals was to reach a 15-point sustainability, or what are we paying our South Florida is particularly vulnerable Media’s radio station, on Friday, April 14 increase in their rating by 2016 and a gold employees, is it a fair salary?” said Dutton. to climate change, Dutton says, and that at 10 a.m. to talk more about the office’s STARS rating by August of 2017, when the “Even things down to the basics … what is appears in the sea level rise. initiatives. annual report is due. our recycling and waste [percentage], how “We have already experienced sea level Series educates students EDITOR’S NOTE on endangered fish Politics aside, the BARBARA BRITES Assistant Professor Yannis P. Ocean Series goal is to bring in environment is important Staff Writer Papastamatiou, Ph.D. who is speakers knew to FIU that are going to be talking about the doing environmental research, he Ocean current sawfish numbers, what usually marine science related, and the Organic Farmers’ Life Series: he has learned about them and and to really expose them so Market. A last stand: how long he predict it will take the community knows more One of the strongest Ecology and for sawfish population to be at about the studies taking place pieces in our paper comes Conservation its healthy size again. in the South Florida area. on page six; columnist of the Smalltooth Sawfish The free event is open to the LaQuavia Smith explains in TSouthern Florida hopes to public and will take place from CAYLA the effects of systemic educate the community about 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April BUSH oppression and racism on this endangered fish. 21, 2017 at Murray E. Nelson environmental practices According to Aileen Soto, Government and Cultural across the nation. program manager for FIU in The numbers for the Center, Located in Key Largo. We are living in times Our Sports writers the Keys, the Series is going to Sawfish is severely “It’s a good way for students that will test the endurance explain the effect people focus on a species of fish called declining so, the more to get to know some of the of our environment. When have on the environment, the Smalltooth Sawfish, which we understand about new faculty members that are we made the list of themes and most importantly is one of the world’s most this organisms the more joining the university and it is for this semester, we the University on the endangered fish and South we can help protect also a good way to gain some had no idea the political ecosystem we’ve created. Florida is probably one of the and conserve them, insight into the research that statement that running an The environment goes last places where we can find this faculty are doing,” Soto environmental issue would beyond nature; it’s also it. Aileen Soto said. “If students are interested be. the culture and community “The cool thing about this Program Manager in getting involved in this type Politics aside, we put which we’re immersed in. sawfish is that it gets to be about FIU in The Keys of studies, this is a perfect together a comprehensive It’s been a pleasure and 15 feet or more but very rarely forum for them to get to know guide to reducing personal an honor to contribute to people ever sees it,” Soto said. faculty in a more casual setting effects on the earth we our environment as editor “The numbers for the Sawfish as well as network with other inhabit. Our News section in chief this past year. As is severely declining so, the people that are also interested explains the purpose of the I prepare for graduation, I more we understand about this “He is going tell us what he in this topic.” Office of Sustainability know that Student Media organisms the more we can help has learned about the life cycle School of Environment, and provides information will be in very capable protect and conserve them.” of this organisms and how can Arts and Society hosts events for students who want to hands for the next year, It’s important to talk about we help protect and conserve every third Friday of every get involved in protecting and that they too will organisms in our community them, Soto said. “His research month. For more information the environment. positively affect our that we don’t know enough is very cutting edge so we on the Ocean Life series and Our Entertainment environment. about, especially those that figure it will be very good for upcoming events, visit seas. section focuses on are considered endangered or the Florida Keys community as fiu.edu. Subscribe to their students’ contributions to Thank you, FIU! threatened, says Soto. well as the FIU community to mailing list to obtain a weekly maintaining the campus, The series will feature a get to know him.” newsletter. such as the Garden club new FIU faculty member, Soto explained that the PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 13, 2017 3 Becoming environmentally conscious: a ‘learning process’

MELISSA BURGESS of being the organic farmers market learned more about engineering, Assistant News Director president with the help and support the more disappointed she became from her friends and other students because of the issues that would ast January, Liz involved in the program. Her role as affect the world in the future. Fuentes, a senior president includes coordinating with “I started learning about majoring in different organizations on campus agriculture because I think it’s very philosophy, sold and discuss ways to improve the important to survive,” said Fuentes. produce on a small market for the future. “As I started studying, the more I table in the student-run Garden Club “For me, the farmers market is learned, the more interested I became. andL transformed it into a successful like my baby,” she said.” It’s not I started learning about what we could organic farmers market in the do better for our city and our personal breezeway of the Green Library at the lives so I started implementing it into Campus. my life … It’s been a very interesting Fuentes, the president of the path and very challenging because of Organic Farmers Market Consortium, the society that we live in, but it’s all said that being a part of the Look at the oranges that worth it.” Agroecology program was the reason come in plastic wraps. Why Kevin Maia, a senior majoring she started getting involved with do you need to buy an in anthropology and member of the selling produce from the student-run orange inside of a plastic Organic Farmers Market Consortium, garden. wrap? The orange alone, said he believes Fuentes is what “We would hang around and comes with its own skin keeps everything at the farmers’ volunteer but the market was dying and you can recycle the market together. because we were in a spot where orange peel by drying it “I think Liz has done a great job there was no traffic and it was and then burning it and it’s and she’s been able to work with uncomfortable because it would administration well and she handles a wonderful incense. It’s just rain or it was too hot,” said Fuentes. everything so smoothly.” said Maia. “No one really wanted to take a learning process and I feel “A day that she’s not there, the responsibility for selling the produce like you never learn enough, market is chaos. Then Liz arrives and but I really enjoyed, so I decided to the sun breaks out from behind the take care of it.” Liz Fuentes clouds and all of a sudden, the chaos Fuentes said that as she took President is back in order.” on the responsibility of the market Organic Farmers Market Consortium Fuentes says being and became more involved in the environmentally conscious starts at Agroecology program and making home and encourages students to be friends, she encouraged others to mindful of their waste, “especially participate in the farmers market. here in ,” she says. “One of my friends from the just about being the president of “... Look at the oranges that come Agroecology Department does something, but you have to make your in plastic wraps. Why do you need natural medicine and I started learning schedule fit it. It’s not only planning to buy an orange inside of a plastic from him,” she said. “I had all those for these events but you [also] have wrap? “ said Fuentes. “The orange empty tables so I told him to join to be responsible that everything is alone, comes with its own skin and and I told my other friends from the going well and make sure that you’re you can recycle the orange peel by agroecology and philosophy program providing quality to the students.” drying it and then burning it and it’s a to do events with us and very slowly, Originally, Fuentes was an wonderful incense. It’s just a learning the market started to grow.” engineering major before switching process and I feel like you never learn martina bretous/panther press Fuentes took on the responsibility to philosophy. She said that as she enough.” ‘Baynanza’ event invites students to clean and protect red mangroves DOUGLASS GAVILAN the least. At the BBC location, the red mangroves projects.” Staff Writer are the most important plant as it is the most affected Some of the seedlings are moved to a shade by marine debris, according to Ogel. house located on BBC, while others are planted by he county’s annual environmental “One of the main purposes of Baynanza is children K-12. cleanup returns to the Biscayne Bay According to the National Wildlife Foundation, Campus on Earth Day. red mangroves are one of only four different Baynanza, a month-long series of mangrove plants located in the U.S. They are also beach and marine cleanups for the considered to be the most known plant and most Bay, will focus on the campus on April 22 from 9 commonly found in Florida, Puerto Rico and the a.m.T to noon. Volunteers are invited to participate It’s a great thing to see people come U.S. Virgin Islands. in the clean up and the educational activities hosted together to help clean the environment. They are easily identified by the above water throughout the day. Some people just love to throw their root, which help transport air around. Garbage can “What’s unique to BBC is that we will be working trash out there and that’s just not cool, interrupt air coming in. The plant’s main threats on the protection of red mangroves,” said Nick include frost, hurricanes and human waste. Ogle, the event coordinator for Baynanza at BBC. Jazmin Shepherd “It’s a great thing to see people come together to “There is a big danger in that the roots of these Junior help clean the environment,” said Jazmin Shepherd, plants can suffocate at times due to plastic bags that Psychology Major a junior psychology major. “Some people just love to drift along.” throw their trash out there and that’s just not cool.” Attendees who sign the online form will also have Baynanza is open and free for the public and for the opportunity to receive a free shirt, according to all ages. Registrations are currently available at Ogle. The design would be the winning artwork http://www.miamidade.gov/environment/baynanza. created by a child in the county. protection of the red mangroves in the area,” said asp. Potential volunteers should be advised to Volunteers may be asked to take boats supplied Ogel. “They work as a nursery area. When there’s complete the volunteer form as soon as possible by the county to the nearby islands off the coast of a dense mangrove area, it allows for protections since locations have a maximum amount of people the bay in order to remove debris. from storm surges and hurricanes. The root area also that could attend, according to Ogle. There are 21 The bay is home to many different wildlife which works for as a shelter for marine life. We also use different locations ranging from North to South includes manatees, dolphins and stone crab to say the seedlings of the mangroves toward restoration Miami where people can attend. www.PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 13, 2017 4 BRANCHING OUT Naturalist for Office of Sustainability takes students on eco-excursions

NIA YOUNG environment.” Entertainment Director Benissoit works on campus at the Office of Sustainability as a raduating senior Naturalist. Aleme Benissoit “A naturalist is someone who reminds students can tell you about plants, animals... that FIU is home anything that you can find in nature,” to much more than said Benissoit just teen spirit and stray cats. His job at the Office of GBenissoit, a sustainability and Sustainability requires that he leads environmental studies major, is visits to the nature preserve for biology NATURALIST rounding classes and other groups, as well as up his train interns about environmental experience education and conservation. at FIU. As he “I enjoy working at the preserve prepares for with volunteers. When they come I graduation learn something from them and I give this May, something as well,” Benissoit said. ALEME BENISSOIT he takes “This morning we [had] a volunteer time out of his [group]... probably every week we schedule to care for FIU’s diverse and have a volunteer [group] but we unique ecosystems. have a different topic. Today we call “We have three main ecosystems it invasive removal; so we remove [at FIU]: A wetland ecosystem, a those plants that are not native to Pine Rockland ecosystem, and we Florida.” Nia Young/Panther Press also have the [Tropical] Hardwood One example that Benissoit Aleme Benissoit (front), naturalist for the Office of Sustainability, assists volunteers Jonathan Avila Hammocks... Mainly, we have the ask students to consider is to plant (middle), a sophmore accounting major, and Germination Puigbertrand, a sophmore international preserve and most of the students pollinator plants. business, at the Nature Preserve Volunteer Day. use it for outdoor classes. They can “Pollinator plant will help us get have hands-on activities, and learn more food... bees pollinate half of stop it and that was a big discussion... to his native home, Haiti. field... probably conservation or about different ecosystems in South the foods that we eats, like fruits and they finally won but at the same “My goal [was] to come here environmental education; I can also Florida.” vegetables,” he said. time... I hope they don’t really come and get more experience, more do an internship.” Benissoit continues explaining Considering the reduction of the in the future and do more things like knowledge, and then go back and Benissoit encourages students to that the nature preserve is like a Nature Preserve that was approved that.” improve [Haiti], said Benissoit. be environmental leaders, saying that piece of the Everglades. “You will in 2016, Benissoit is not discouraged Benissoit looks to the future However immediately after “ the little things that you do make a find native plants, wildlife, and saying that “in one week more than planing to take his knowledge of graduation Benissoit plans to “do big difference.” things that are very important for the 5,000 students signed the petition to agriculture and the environment back more work in the environmental

AT THE BAY Organic Farmers’ Frost museum to Market promotes a restore ‘raptor rehab’ healthy university JULIANE SUNSHINE with FIU’s School of Environment, Arts Staff Writer and Society is a volunteer based habitat CHLOE GONZALEZEZ local art and hand-painted garden which grows herbs restoration project, that has restored Assistant Entertainment products. and fruits in the FIU n an effort to remove invasive coastal lines and mangroves and will Director “I like that there’s a Nature Preserve. vegetation, the Frost Museum of work in restoring the site at the Biscayne lot of variety and I check The Garden Club is Science will host a restoration Bay. s part it out every Wednesday. only one example of event at the Batchelor “Students will join forces with of the I feel like the samosa the many groups that Environmental Center, a new volunteers on the banks of the Oleta River triangles are the best thing, participate in the market facility that will focus on animal wildlife. in North Miami to begin restoring the and the popcorn is really such as Students for I“The new state-of-the-art facility land to a native mangrove forest,” wrote good and the mango. Environmental Action, allows the raptor rehab and animal Bretos. “Participants will learn about the University’s ongoing Those are the main things the Office of University hospital programs to partner with Florida invasive vegetation, consisting primarily sustainabilityA efforts, Sustainability, University International University to enhance of Burma reed, Australian pine, and FIU’s Organic Farmers Health Services, the Yoga research and internship opportunities Brazilian pepper, and see what conditions Market has been Club, Student Dietetics for students and provides homes for are ideal for natural mangroves to thrive providing students with I like that that it’s a and Nutrition and animals that have already been acquired in this environment.” vegan, vegetarian, organic chance for people Aramark, among others. for research,” said Fernando Bretos, 7,500 people have volunteered since and locally sourced foods, The market formed director of Museum Volunteers for the 2007 and restored 25 acres of coastal to buy something as well as organic and from a collaboration Environment, in an email to Student habitat, according to Bretos and he says handmade products since that’s a little better between these student Media. volunteers will able to “gauge the effects 2008. off for them organizations, outside Bretos said the center, which was of restoration” by participating in this “To me it’s a very vendors and university done in a partnership between the Frost event. nice option for students departments to promote Science Museum and the University, will “In order to ensure a healthy because every Wednesday Jadelyn Puig an environmentally go through two phases. environment, South Florida residents first they have different Sophomore friendly lifestyle and “The Batchelor Environmental Center learn about the environmental stresses we options to eat, to see art English local, organic products is in phase one right now, this is the face, then get their hands dirty with their in a different way so it’s and produce. phase where we will quarantine fish, peers and make a difference. Volunteers a nice thing for students,” “I like that it’s a such as Mahi Mahi and eagle ray — leave behind a living legacy of native said Sandra Pereira, owner I come for,” said junior chance for people to buy this is to make sure that the fish are not habitats that they can visit and enjoy in of Encantos Terrariums. event management major, something that’s a little diseased when they go to the aquarium,” perpetuity,” wrote Bretos. On Wednesdays Bobbii Sade, who attends better off for them,” said said Bretos. “The second phase will be a Volunteers can sign up through the during the spring and fall the market every week. sophomore english major, community facility where people such as website or show up on the day of, which semesters, vendors set up Organic produce is Jadelyn Puig. students, can bring injured wildlife. The is every third Saturday of each month. their tables with a variety also sold at the market In addition to animal hospital will treat hawks, reptiles The Frost Museum of Science is expected of products including from local farms and by encouraging healthy and any other Florida wildlife. Most to open on May 8, 2017. In the meantime, orchids and terrariums, the Garden Club from animals will be returned to the wild after students or faculty can find out more kettle corn, baked goods, the University’s organic SEE ORGANIC, PAGE 5 they are healed.” information on www.frostscience.org MUVE, working in collaboration www.PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 13, 2017 5 FIU Ecologies: Farmers’ Market puts FIU IS HOME TO: green in Green Library

56,000 STUDENTS

13 ENDANGERED PLANTS

Chloe Gonzalezez/Panther Press Students buy locally grown foods and products in the Green Library breezeway on Wednesday, THREATENED PLANTS April 5. ORGANIC, PAGE 4 15 selling their organic and natural beauty supplies, vitamins and supplements, pet products and eating by supplying local produce, Puig snacks at the market for some time. explained that the weekly market also serves as “I think we’ve had the opportunity to educate AND an opportunity to support local businesses. people on some of the essential oil products that “They’ve got a lot of handmade, homemade we have...it’s been great to give some information goods and as someone who sells my own and educational sort of feedback to them,” said handmade goods, I like to support other people Giovannah Chiu, Director of E-Commerce at 238 making it...it’s a chance for people to make Pure Formulas. PLANTS AND money doing something they like,” said Puig. Students can buy goods and pick up fresh With the help of former student and snacks and produce when they visit the market ANIMALS THAT CALL HOME nutritionist, Raisa Cavalcante, the Florida- on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the FIU based online retailer Pure Formulas has been Green Library breezeway. The Garden Club cultivates ‘knowledge,’ and ‘home grown, organic vegetables and plants’

All funds collected go to engineering, business, med supporting and expanding school… they just want to play the club’s organic garden. with soil. They don’t want to This also raises money for think about their laptops or sit scholarships that will send in their office. They want to students in the agroecology get outside and relax. So, we program abroad to study thought this was the best time sustainable agriculture from to teach them something,” gardens and farms in other said Khoddamzadeh. parts of the world. In efforts to provide an Khoddamzadeh says it’s effective atmosphere that important to note the difference achieves the melding of between the garden’s produce leisure and education, the and grocery store produce. Garden Club/ Agroecology “We trust our product. program has established a We know that everything handful varying garden types. is organic here. We are not Those available to explore Panther Press cheating, adding to, spraying include an edible garden, a Garden Club members cultivate greenery and plant organic produce in one of FIU’s gardens. any synthetics, etc. to our fruit orchard, a meditation MARTHA PEREZ-MENDEZ “The U.S. Department of continues. One way in which product. You can confirm that garden, and more. Contributing Writer Agriculture was the main they are able to do this is by by trying it for yourself and Students can join and source of funding for us. If we bringing the FIU community tasting how pure it is,” said get involved in The Garden Khoddamzadeh. Club’s efforts in seeking ucked away did not have those programs, their products for sale. Being a consumer of the fun, awareness, education, behind we would not have the garden, “Because this is a student club’s products is not the environmental integrity, and the Nature either,” said Bhat. club, we don’t have many only way to get involved. community support. Preserve, a From its beginnings, the resources for financial Workshops and meetings are Garden Club president, small group organic garden has relied on support, but what we do have held every Friday at 3 p.m. in Alana Rodriguez, is a senior of students work to cultivate this kind of financial support is the money we get from the organic garden. environmental studies major organic vegetables and plants. to expand. These professors selling our product,” said T Workshops vary in topic, with a focus in agriculture As part of the Garden Club, used this support and more Khoddamzadeh. such as the sustainable studies. She believes the these students seek to fulfill the to create this garden from Each Wednesday at the farming presentation hosted opportunities offered to organization’s single mission: scratch in efforts to establish a farmers’ market in the Green last week by Joshua Munoz- students is what sets the club “to provide a space for the FIU place of gathering that allows Library Breezeway visitors Jimenez, a former garden apart. community to gain knowledge for a deeper ecologically may pick up the organically manager and one of the first “The cool thing about the about the importance of local educational experience. grown vegetables harvested students to graduate from the Garden Club is that there and sustainably grown food.” Amir Khoddamzadeh by club members. Any surplus agro-science major. are lots of opportunities to Mahadev Bhat and currently takes on the role products not sold there can Workshops and meetings get involved. The garden is Krishnaswamy “Jay” of Garden Club advisor and also be found on Wednesdays are meant for the entire FIU always here, so people can Jayachandram, co-directors organic garden supervisor. and Thursdays at the Earth community to learn about and always work on it,” Rodriguez of the agroecology program He works with students and and Environment Department enjoy sustainable agriculture. said. at FIU, developed this garden the agroecology program in located in AHC-5 on the third “Many students are around ten years ago. order to ensure that the garden floor. coming from majors such as 6 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 13, 2017 PantherNOW.com SAVE THE ELEPHANTS Greed will lead the largest land animal to extinction EYES ON they are an endangered According to Sarah ivory trade. state lines, including a be supporting the ivory THE EARTH species or understand Bird, a senior majoring “[The]bold action limit on ivory trophy trade. This means that we what these animals have imports to two per year, should not be purchasing to face on a daily basis? per hunter. items made from dead Believe it or not, the “Although there elephant tusks. survival of this species is are many sources of Nearly 100 elephants critical for the well-being Nearly 100 elephants are killed each day. ivory such as walruses, are killed each day, of the planet. rhinoceros, and narwhals, and there are currently AMANDA JUNG During the dry season, Worldelephantday.org elephant ivory has 400,000 remaining, elephants “use their always been the most simply because of the It’s rare to encounter tusks to dig for water,” highly sought because ivory trade, according to someone who says they but these watering holes in environmental underscores the United of its particular texture, the World Elephant Day don’t like animals. We are also provide water for the engineering, humans use States’ leadership and softness, and its lack of website. surrounded by a society other animals, according elephants for the ivory commitment to ending a tough outer coating of Society is going to of people who claim to to Save the Elephants, an in their tusks and for the scourge of elephant enamel,” according to have to get used to living be animal lovers. organization that works entertainment purposes poaching and the tragic The Atlantic. without ivory, unless we We have pictures of to protect elephants such as in zoos and impact it’s having on Many people do want to get used to living our pets as our screen around the globe. circuses. wild populations,” said not understand that an without elephants. savers and take funny In addition, Save “Thousands of Secretary of the Interior elephant’s blood has to It’s your choice and I videos of them for the Elephants states elephants are being killed Sally Jewell in a press be shed in order to obtain hope you make the right memories. When you that when elephants each year” simply “for release to National ivory. So many everyday one. ask someone what their eat, “they create gaps their tusks” while their Geographic. items are made of ivory favorite animal is, there’s in vegetation,” which “carcasses [are] discarded Current law allows that you might not even Amanda Jung is a a possibility it’s an exotic essentially allows new like hair clippings on for the sale of ivory and be aware of — jewelry, contributing writer for species that they have plants and pathways to a barber shop’s floor,” ivory products in limited hair pins and ornaments, Panther Press. Her never seen in person. grow. stated a report from The cases, only if the seller just to name a few. column, Eyes on the Elephants are amongst These are creatures Atlantic. can prove the ivory is If we want to continue Earth, is a commentary those that fall into this that boost the health of Although ivory is old and was lawfully sharing the earth with on current global category. So many people the ecosystem, yet they still being traded, in imported. However, new these precious creatures, environmental issues. claim to love elephants, are highly endangered. 2015, Obama issued an rules further restrict serious measures must but do they actually know Why is this? executive order to ban all exports and sales across be taken. We should not

Environmental racism is a pressing problem

WHAT’S UP FIU being released, used or accessible above the federal government’s throughout lower-income safety standard of 15 parts per communities is a very conventional billion for lead. occurrence and it doesn’t stop at We see fatalities nationwide chemicals. within specific generic borders of One less publicized act of areas. We see children with high environmental racism is currently percentages of lead in their blood, taking place in Detroit. In 2016, over children with an increase of asthma LAQUAVIA SMITH 80 different schools in Michigan and children who are more prone closed down due to environmental to becoming sick in areas that are By now, I am pretty sure conditions ranging from rats, mold labeled “low-income,” “rural” or everyone has heard of Flint, and even lead poisoning similar to “hood.” Michigan even if they are unsure Flint’s initial problem. Aside from Michigan, this where it’s located. The issue at It shouldn’t take over three environmental racism is occurring hand isn’t necessarily Flint or any years to figure out why thousands throughout Louisiana, California other city, but solely the question of children county-wide are calling and even Pittsburgh. Not only are of environmental racism. in sick for school. there unsafe conditions, but they “If Flint were rich and mostly Teachers throughout these rural are being ignored by officials city- white, would Michigan’s state areas are sick and tired. In 2016, wide, state-wide and even on a government have responded according to local newspaper, national level. more quickly and aggressively to Your Daily Dish, thousands of “Why don’t they just fix the complaints about its lead-polluted students and their teachers staged problem?” ran across my mind water?,” wrote The New York a “sick-out” protest that forced numerous times, but Michigan Times writer John Eligon. schools to close down for two is an example of how a poverty Environmental racism, whole days. issue transforms into the less according to Your Dictionary, is “The teachers and parents known “environmental racism.” “the placement of low-income of [Detroit Public Schools] are But, before the problem can be or minority communities in the blaming the wrecked conditions fixed, people need to be aware that proximity of environmentally of the schools on Republican environmental racism even exists. hazardous or degraded Governor Rick Snyder and the Why is it a relatively unknown environments, such as toxic waste, legislature’s austerity measures to term and why is it treated like an pollution and urban decay.” cut costs that is also being blamed epidemic that takes years to fix, It’s a problem that isn’t new for the lead contamination of the if not ever. As a campus who is to environmentalist and activists water supply in Flint, Michigan,” built on minorities, differences, worldwide; however, it’s a term the article states. “Flint residents scholarship and merit, we should many are unaware of, even if it’s have been using bottled water do our part to inform, become a fairly common problem in Miami since their water supply became involved and seek change. and other melting pots. contaminated with lead in April Aside from the nationally known 2014.” Laquavia Smith is a staff writer incident of minorities within Flint Michigan is also suffering from for Panther Press. Her column, literally being poisoned though musty smells and warped floors. What’s Up FIU, is a commentary on hazardous water conditions, Within the Flint school district the latest style and entertainment incidents of dangerous chemicals alone, three different schools tested news.

Laquavia Smith/Panther Press 7 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 13, 2017 PantherNOW.com PANTHER EDITORIAL Floatopia-style parties “Going Green” is as easy as 1-2-3 harmful to environment and a social media account voiced their FIU has created green initiatives such as promoting carpooling, maintaining upkeep PANTHER HEALTH concerns. in the nature preserve, constructing energy-efficient buildings, hosting recycling drives As reported by New Times who spoke and assigning a recycling bin to every trash can. to representatives from the Surfrider But, introducing these initiatives to the University won’t mean anything unless Foundation, “Floatopia organizers are students and faculty play their part. Living “environmentally conscious” doesn’t have almost always overwhelmed by the amount to be difficult — in fact, it’s easy. of garbage these events create and — no Instead of throwing out your plastic water bottle, clean it and reuse it. Not only does matter how many volunteers they round up this lessen your carbon footprint, but it also saves you money. MAYTINEE — rarely, if ever, leave the beach like they Another “going green” tactic that is good for your wallet is carpooling. Take KRAMER found it.” advantage of ridesharing apps or carpool with your friends, especially during long Catherine Uden, secretary for the drives. Floatopia-style parties is an event Broward County chapter of Surfrider told the For those students or faculty members that drive to the or the where attendees bring inflatable rafts, get New Times last year that those who clean up engineering campus, use the bus FIU offers. Not only does it save gas and gives you an disgustingly drunk by the beach and treat the don’t respect the ocean and the animals that opportunity to chat, work or sleep, but it also reduces the amount of carbon monoxide ocean like an open garbage can. inhabit it. that is released into the air. If such parties are known for attendees “These people want to treat the ocean The easiest way to “Go Green,” however, is to go digital. Paper is barbaric. Instead, shamelessly tossing beer cans, food like some pool in Vegas, but they don’t students should start typing their notes. It saves trees, saves you money and makes it wrappers, loose garbage, and all sorts of understand it’s an ecosystem and not a frat easier for you to study with your classmates. marine-life-killing flotsam into the current, house. There are animals in there that are The same goes for professors. Whether you like it or not, technology is the future then why are they still going on? and you should let students utilize their tablets and laptops to take notes. Not only does it save the trees, but it’s more efficient to have students upload assignments to Blackboard or email them directly to you. This way, the students have the option to work from wherever they are, and you don’t have to carry around so many papers. The point is, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to be environmentally friendly. You just The earth and ocean is not your personal garbage can. have to be aware of what changes you yourself can start today, so take advantage of the different green initiatives that are offered and play a part in saving our planet. Remember, it’s the only one we have.

The Miami New Times reported that endangered,” Uden, told the New Times. Veganism best for Earth Haulover Beach will play host to a Floatopia- Even memories of Miami Beach’s hellish style event, called Floatnik, on April 23. The trash catastrophe prompted pressure from THE LEVELER of Strathclyde in Glasgow amount of vegans in Britain organization putting on the event, South environmentalists to shut down a version of majoring in political has risen exponentially in Florida’s Grown and Sexy, has already Virginia Key’s Float Bash. science, has been vegan for the last decade. begun recruiting volunteers to help clean up “Buena suerte Haulover #Notopia.” over three years. Although vegans and the beach afterward. Michael Grieco, the Miami Beach “For Lent, when I was vegetarians compose only While the organizers want attendees commissioner who fought to kick the event 15 I gave up meat and never a small portion of the to have a good time, they do demand that out of his city last year, wrote online late last went back to it. However, 64 million population, everyone avoid taking glass or polystyrene week. by the time I was 17 I felt according to the Vegan onto the beach. While it’s okay to have fun and party hard, AUBREY CARR being vegetarian wasn’t Society, over half a million Their event page states, “For newbies: that does not excuse trashing the environment enough,” Connolly said. people in the UK adhere The idea of going green it’s easy... grab a float, some good people, hit and endangering animals. There shouldn’t be to a vegan diet. So when the beach, relax, float, meet people and most any type of Floatopia-style party in any city. usually brings to mind Connolly moved from alternate transportation and importantly, PROTECT THE BEACH you It’s nothing but disgusting, disturbing, and Glasgow, which she said came to enjoy by not littering... ‘Floatnik’ damaging to the environment. remembering to turn off the had been previously voted lights when leaving a room, [T]here are so in a nutshell! This is a FREE event we put And for those who want a Floatopia-style many amazing the most vegan-friendly on for you, EVERYONE is invited... except party or any type of outdoor social gathering but dieting habits can also city in the UK, to Aix-en- alternatives for people who can’t do the only thing we ask for that matter, you better learn to pick affect the planet. Provence in the South of Producing and meat, cheese and for: PUT THE TRASH IN THE TRASH.” up after yourself and stop throwing trash France, she faced a major The fact that the organization is recruiting wherever you want. The earth and ocean is consuming meat — even fish. challenge. especially red meat — volunteers to clean up before the event even not your personal garbage can. A typical southern starts already foreshadows a nightmare and animal byproducts is Cara Marie Connolly French diet focuses heavily much like the one we saw on Miami Beach Maytinee Kramer is the Assistant certainly a contributor to Junior on fish and dairy products, last year when they hosted a Floatopia party. Opinion Director for Panther Press. Her climate change. University of Strathclyde but Connolly has managed, Due to the mountains of trash left behind, column, Panther Health, is a commentary on “Animal agriculture finding creative solutions to is responsible for 18 city officials called for an end to the event, maintaining one’s health during college. otherwise inedible recipes while nearly everyone with a beach address percent of greenhouse gas and has become a regular at emissions, more than the After unearthing a local falafel restaurant. combined exhaust from all information on the And even though there transportation,” according treatment of animals by the are multiple ways someone to the Food and Agriculture dairy industry, effects of can be environmentally MAGAZINE Organization of the United animal agriculture on the conscious, Connolly PANTHER EDITORIAL BOARD Asst. Director and Thursdays during the Fall and Spring Nations. environment, and the health believes veganism is the This is not only because Alfred Soto semesters and once a week during benefits of being a vegan, best way to do her part in Summer B. One copy per person. Additional of the methane gas emitted Connolly decided to leave saving the planet. Editor in Chief CONTACT INFORMATION copies are 25 cents. Panther Press is not by animals — although behind a diet that relied on “I try to recycle as much Cayla Bush responsible for the content of ads. Ad methane gas is even more any animal products. as possible, use public News Director Modesto Maidique Campus: destructive than carbon GC 210, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. content is the sole responsibility of the “It was fairly easy for transport or car sharing, Martina Bretous (305) 348-2709 dioxide — but also because me as there are so many etc., [but] I think the best company or vendor. Panther Press is an Sports Director Biscayne Bay Campus: of the effort that goes into amazing alternatives for thing you can do to be editorially independent newspaper partially Jayda Hall WUC 124, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. creating land that is suitable meat, cheese and even fish,” environmentally friendly is funded by student and services fees that are Opinion Director (305) 919-4722 for mass animal agriculture. she said. be vegan,” she said. appropriated by Student Government. This entails clearing out Editor-in-Chief: In the past year, Connolly Michelle Marchante (305) 348-1580 thousands of acres of land said that she’s “noticed Aubrey Carr is a staff Entertainment Director [email protected] to house and plant crops to a massive change” in the writer for Panther Press. Nia Young Advertising: feed the livestock — crops (305) 348-6994 amount of vegan-friendly Her column, The Leveler, Production Manager that use massive amounts of products that can be found covers global social justice [email protected] Nia Young water. in the UK, which makes and political commentary. Cara Marie Connolly, sense, considering that the Director Panther Press is published on Mondays a junior at the University Robert Jaross

SEND US YOUR LETTERS DISCLAIMER EDITORIAL POLICY Have something on your mind? Send an email to [email protected]. Be sure The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views Editorials are the unified voice of the editorial board, which is composed to include your name, major and year and a photo of yourself. Letters must be of The Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from of the editor in chief, management, and the editors of each of the four less than 400 words and may be edited for clarity and length. Panther Press editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers sections. Panther Press welcomes any letters regarding or in response to will only run two letters a semester from any individual. and/or members of the University community. its editorials. Send them to [email protected] Contact Us Jayda Hall Sports Director SPORTS Panther Press – 8 PantherNOW.com Monday, April 13, 2017 Nature Preserve shrinks as University makes way for football fields

BRETT’S BREAKS In March 2016, the the concerned students at FIU that the plans Inventory during the criticism listed five part of the ecosystem within the preserve.” University’s board of to construct the fields over the north end of plants housed in the preserve that were Sophomore business major Jiskaymie trustees unanimously the nature preserve is in the best interest of deemed as endangered and another two Coo said that the University is putting approved an expansion the school. plants that were threatened. athletics before the nature preserve. plan that included “We want you to understand we are Caroline Castillo, a sophomore business “The fact of the matter is sports are building two athletic working as hard as we can for what’s in finance major, said that the recent alterations able to bring in revenue for a university, fields on almost three the best interest of the University” said to the campus have caused students to while a nature preserve impacts the school BRETT SHWEKY acres at the north end Rosenberg, as he was addressing the media. question if the University is as eco-friendly financially in no way,” said Coo. “Just look of the preserve. In FIU students believed that this was an as they label themselves. at the maintainance of the trail itself, the exchange, the trustees agreed to expand the unfair exchange as the land planned for the “FIU must not be so green if they want to preserve is largely maintained by students preserve from the south side. swap included an organic garden, along with remove part of the nature trail just for some and volunteers.” The plans originally slated the fields to other features, and will restrict restoring the practice fields,” said Castillo. “Even though Brett Shweky is a staff writer for Panther be constructed by the nearby parking lots at preserve to almost 1.5 acres. the officials said they would replace part of Press. His column, Brett’s Breaks, is a MMC. A report obtained from the Florida the nature preserve, it still doesn’t take away commentary on the latest sports related FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg told State University’s Florida Natural Areas from the fact that they are still destroying issues at FIU. University makes some University calls to environmental changes action for Everglades to residential dorms restoration standard. Strategies that help with this include SCORE NOW FIU prides itself on schedules for cleaning duties, money jar for maintaining a drug free whenever someone forgets to clean something, WEEKLY WHY The Everglades University of Miami were built on the and healthy environment, and making recycling sections. is among the original greater Everglades ecosystem, so it’s important that the “In my dorm, I keep a big bag and we put any most fragile as well as the current Marlins Park students living on campus boxes that can be recycled,” said Kyna Pereira, ecosystems in the and . The Florida contribute to this as well. majoring in education. These techniques help world and nearly Panthers’ Ice Den is located at the border It’s not easy for many students pick up a routine that will only better two centuries of the Everglades Wildlife Management STEVEN MELENDEZ to stay consistent with the environment around them. of attempts to Area. healthy habits, but it is Keeping public areas clean is important too, JULIETTA RODRIGO restructure its While I love FIU and our local sports necessary to preserve the environment FIU has and students agree. water flow and scene, our university and communities set up for everyone. The easiest way to make “There should be more garbage cans impose mankind’s demands upon it should also be mindful of preserving our the most change in habits is by starting at the marked for recycling inside and outside the have left the Glades unrecognizable. environment and encouraging students dorms, the home of many FIU students. dorms.Julieta Rodrigo is a staff writer for Many laws were passed over the to do so, as well. Everyone has to work together to make sure Panther Press. Her column, Weekly Why, is a last three decades to protect these According to Saving Florida FIU stays as green as possible. Unfortunately, commentary on the latest issues and sports. wetlands, but they have been stymied Water, more than one-third of Florida’s not many students take a big interest in the I’ve seen a few around the university, but under bureaucratic jargon and political population, approximately seven million environment, but a few still find some time to not here,” said Ernesto Vilchez, majoring in standoffs. people, depends on the Everglades as get out and make a difference. international business. The story of the Everglades is their primary source of drinking water. “I have been in a few community clubs that It’s good to see students interested in their a complex back-and-forth struggle Big Sugar’s demands on the have done things like clean up the beaches,” said environment. This is just the first step needed in between the pursuit of paradise and environment have taken a toll on the Victoria Mitial, majoring in communication order to build habits and keep the environment the ideal of progress, and the attitudes Everglades; droughts have intensified, arts. “It’s been quite interesting to notice how healthy for future alumni. which once inspired its ruin that now water conservation areas have been important the environment is to the people who inspire its restoration. polluted by their runoff, and the really care about it.” Steven Melendez is a staff writer for Panther To the outside observer, the ecosystem’s natural rhythms have run Students have taken it upon themselves to Press. His column, Score Now, is a commentary Everglades seemed like a vast, empty, amok. make sure their dorms are kept to a healthy on the University sports topics. useless, mucky, and weird place. Phil Compton, a senior representative Nature lovers and ecologists, however, for National Sierra Club, lamented that understood that there was always more “if we continue to grow the way we to the Everglades than met the eye. have, we will lose every reason why From virtually the moment when people come to Florida.” STUDENT MEDIA IS Americans began to visit the Everglades, This is why the state of Florida must they began dreaming of modernizing it, prioritize the Everglades restoration NOW HIRING starting by draining its surplus water. projects—the future of state industries, For these optimistic people, the drainage the health of its citizens, and the survival of the swamp seemed inevitable. of important species depend on a timely The nutrient-rich wetlands were response to this ecological emergency. prematurely set aside in their minds Students, if you haven’t visited the INTERESTED IN WORKING IN MEDIA? for use in a future production of sugar, Everglades yet, I highly encourage cotton, coffee, and other products. you to do so. It is a beautiful paradise Today, sugarcane fields dominate within close proximity to our campuses, LEADERSHIP, STAFF AND CONTRIBUTING the northern Glades, suburbs control and I am sure that seeing it personally the eastern Glades, and reservoirs make will motivate you to protect our natural up much of the central Glades. Over wetlands. POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN PRINT, WEB AND RADIO. half of the original wetlands have been Julieta Rodrigo is a staff writer for drained and replaced with urban areas Panther Press. Her column, Weekly APPLY ONLINE AT PANTHERNOW.COM/JOBS/ and agriculture. Why, is a commentary on the latest Maps provided by the Everglades issues in sports. Foundation show that FIU and the