Campus Celebrates Earth Day with Common Ground

CLOCK PHOTO/EMILY DUDEK

A motley crew assembled in and around the Hartman Union Building on a dreary Wednesday afternoon to celebrate Earth Day 2015, at Plymouth State University’s Earth Day Environmental Fair.  The event was hosted by Plymouth State’s own Common Ground; Plymouth State University’s most dominant environmental and social justice student organization.  

Groups, employers, hobbyists, and more gathered this Earth Day on Plymouth State’s campus to have some conversations about the environment.  Students were eager to listen, as anyone walking by could see the herds of engaged-students actively participating in conversations about environmental sustainability and reform.  Over ten organizations, from the Squam Lakes Science Center to local Plymouth business KTM Auto, were present at the event.  KTM Auto and Dr. Len Reitsma once again provided their staple waste vegetable oil (WVO) powered car that students have come to expect to see outside the HUB on Earth Day. 

Dr. Reitsma’s 1985 Mercedes Benz may have been a luxury item in the mid-eighties, but has become a luxury to his wallet and the environment. The car converts old waste vegetable oil into an economic and realistic fuel option. Biodiesel and WTO are forms of fuel either manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, recycled restaurant greases, or used raw in a modified engine. It is safe, biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel. Not to mention it leaves the air behind you with a pleasant hint of french fries. Despite the danger of possibly attracting bears, biodiesel and WVO are options that should all be considered seriously in order to lessen the affect on the environment.