Whether faculty or student run, Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s on campus organizations are taking actions to save the Earth, one step at a time.

The NSU Climate Task Force is a committee of faculty dedicated to recognizing and addressing the university and the Natchitoches community’s approach to environmental issues.
Ellis Antoon, a professor in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences, chaired the idea and brought the Climate Task Force to life.

“There is a lack of environmental accountability, this generation is the last chance this planet has, we’re the ones who have to fix it, or not,” Antoon said.

Antoon, and other professors of the Climate Task Force, have met with Marcus Jones, president of NSU, to discuss NSU taking steps towards helping the planet.

The Climate Task Force is currently working towards the use of solar energy on campus, reinstating the recycling program and promoting composting with the agricultural center.

As an experiment, Jones approved the use of solar energy for Antoon’s work office to see if it would be feasible for the entire campus.

The Climate Task Force has exchanged all plastic bottles in the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts center vending machines for aluminum cans.

Outside of Fournet Hall, they have created a small composting garden where anyone is free to throw compostable items to help enrich the soil.

Faculty members of NSU aren’t the only ones working to help the environment, NSU’s Environmental Catalyst Organization is a student group dedicated to spreading environmental awareness on campus.

Isabela Musgrove, a junior psychology major, president of ECO and student representative of the Climate Task Force, feels its important people get involved with helping the planet.

“Even if you’re not in biology, chemistry or environmental, there’s still a responsibility to help your environment,” Musgrove said. “You could be a math major or an arts major, you can still do your part and join ECO or ask the Task Force how to help your environment.”

Haley Wiggins, a freshman communication major, stressed the importance of groups like the Climate Task Force and Eco.

“Environmental groups on campuses are necessary because, without them, no one would feel encouraged to help out and make a difference,” Wiggins said. “Our planet is suffering more and more every day and environmental groups are taking action against climate change. ”