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A member of the PCC Board of Trustees challenged students to change their behavior – even if slightly – to combat the growing global warming crisis, and to turn PCC into a sustainable ‘green’ campus.”Hi guys,” said trustee Hilary Bradbury-Huang to a group of late comers to the packed “It’s easy to be green” lecture in C333. “We’re just talking about the end of the world and what we can do about it.”

Her vision for a sustainable PCC involved three targeted areas: green infrastructure, green programs and curriculum, and demonstrated leadership.

“We shall pass on PCC to the next generation,” according to a handout distributed by Professor’s Ling O’Conner and Susie Ling, “In a better environmental condition than we ourselves inherited so that a younger generation may learn, grow and flourish.”

Bradbury-Huang used a slide show with images illustrating the anguish and misery that industrialization has brought to the planet and it’s life-systems. “What I hope is [that] we’ll walk out the door having figured out what this means for us,” she said to the crowd, which included Temple City Mayor Judy Wong. Bradbury-Huang asked, “How can we begin to take action for ourselves to end suffering?”

The event was more of a discussion about how students can adopt positive habits in four crucial areas that affect the environment: Food, Transport, Energy and Buildings.

Attendants were active in the discussion, chatting up their neighbors about what they can do to help “green” the campus, and what they were already doing.

Many in the audience shared their thoughts on the monetary benefits of installing solar panels at home. “It has saved me thousands of dollars a year,” said student John Cantwell.

During the discussion Krystale Triggs of the Seeds of Change environmental club distributed a petition urging the board to “improve our [environmentally] excellent campus and set an example for our community.”

“Action is happening as we speak,” Bradbury-Huang said.

Some of the issues the petition urge include implementing green-purchasing, moving away from toxic chemical use and pursuing more biodegradable options, and using native landscaping to reduce water usage.

Students shared personal efforts amid the discussion. Communications major Blanca Duarte committed to a vegetarian diet, but was apprehensive about all the chemicals that go into, not only fruits and vegetables but also cosmetics.

Many of the attendees were eager to switch to organic-friendly grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, but were discouraged by the prices.

“Nearly all of the food you eat travels at least a thousand miles before it gets to your plate,” said Bradbury-Huang.

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