They call themselves the Co-Captain Planets. Their mission: to spread environmental consciousness to all Loyola students. Their current enterprise: the Green For Green Sustainable Initiatives Competition.
“The point of the competition is to try and make Loyola more sustainable through a student-driven movement,” said Margaret Sands, environmental studies senior and Co-Captain Planet.
Minus the green hair and blue skin, the Co-Captain Planets, better known as the leaders of the Loyola Association of Students for Sustainability, have been working to get students involved in improving Loyola’s “greenness.”
Students who want to compete in the competition must locate a sustainability problem on Loyola’s campus and propose a solution. For example, students could devise a proposal for student and community education on a specific problem, or a proposal involving a sustainable investment for the school, like a biodiesel van.
“There are so many different approaches you can take,” said Faith Akgun, philosophy junior and Co-Captain Planet. “I’m excited to see what people come up with and how different departments team up.”
“It’s not just for TOMS-wearing, Costa Rica-going hippy chicks,” said Alex White, accounting junior and Co-Captain Planet. Whether students are majoring in biology, linguistics or music therapy, they can focus on an issue and propose a solution that caters to their expertise.
And while L.A.S.S. members think that saving the planet is reason enough to participate, there is a monetary incentive as well. The winning team will receive $5,000 to fund their project for next semester, and team members will each receive a $300 cash prize.
Each person on the second place team will receive $200, and third place team members will each get $100. Teams must consist of two to four people, two of whom must be returning in the fall. Teams must also have a faculty advisor.
To actually compete, all teams must first fill out an intent to compete form, which is due Feb. 14, as well as the actual application, which is due by March 18. Both forms can be found on the L.A.S.S. website.
Teams must then present their proposals to the Presentation Forum, which will be held on March 31 and will be open to the public. L.A.S.S. will also be hosting a speaker series throughout the semester to boost enthusiasm and inspiration among students.
The entire competition will be capped off on April 2 with a bike-powered concert where the winner will be announced. All the Co-Captain Planets are hopeful for the competition and what it means for Loyola.
White said, “This is the first step to get the campus to start thinking in a more sustainable way.”
Erin Clements can be reached at [email protected]
