A new environmental club, Club 350, has recently started on campus this past semester.
Club 350 is looking for ways to reduce carbon dioxide levels to protect the Earth. Courtesy of Jasmine Johnson
According to Jasmine Johnson, president of Club 350, the point of the club is to reduce the University’s carbon footprint on campus.
“It’s an environmental club that is trying to change some of the things we do on campus to reduce our carbon footprint. We’re trying to do little things like raise money and awareness,” said Johnson.
In order to learn more about how to change the carbon footprint, professors have given Johnson suggestions alternative energy use the University can use. Also, Johnson is trying to get in contact with others who would know how to change the footprint.
“A few professors who suggested that we put in different types of energy in complexes so students can have something else to work off of than what we have now,” said Johnson, “I’m trying to get in contact with some people that can inform about what we are investing in currently so I know what fossil fuels company we are investing in as a University.”
Another goal that the club wants to accomplish is not only reducing the carbon dioxide levels, but to lower it to 350 from 392, which is our current CO2 level.
The CO2 levels now are a 102-point increase from 2011, when it was clocked in at 290. According to Johnson, the current levels are extremely unsafe for humans.
“392 is beyond unsafe. 350 is the maximum level of carbon that we can actually survive so that is why we are seeing a lot of the after effects of the storm and climate change.”
According to Johnson, ways we can lower the carbon dioxide levels are to reduce the amount of trash we throw and stop using plastic water bottles.
Anyone can reduce the carbon dioxide levels on their own by being environmental friendly. According to Johnson however, the club was created to use teamwork and bring people together to help save the environment.
“I think it needs to be a team effort. Club 350 isnt about doing individual things, but bringing people together to realize and educate others to know that we need to do something to make a change. There is no reason our generation shouldn’t be the leaders in trying to make a movement,” said Johnson.
Events being planned in the future are having a water bottle sale, a tree planting day and a rally to support being more environmental friendly.
Club 350 is currently under probation by SGA. As of now, there are eight members in the group and they need to reach 15 students. If everything goes according to plan, the club will be officially recognized at the end of the semester.
If people want to protect their future and their children, Johnson said people should join the club.
“This is there life and future. If they really want to do something that will benefit their children and their own life in the next 20 years, students should join.”
For more information, students can contact Johnson at jasjohnso@hartford.edu