WWU Students for Renewable Energy
Top 10 Things You Want to Know About SRE
What is Students for Renewable Energy?
Students for Renewable energy is an Associated Students club on Western Washington University's campus that promotes the use of "Green" energy usage in the local, national, and global community. Western's campus currently purchases 100 percent renewable energy through the use of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC's) and contributes to a student grant program to reduce Western's impact.
Why should I join SRE?
Western students should care about providing clean energy for your university and community since we are directly affected. Our club is dedicated to improving the health of the environment and its people (which includes you!) through the use of clean and renewable energy.
What’s all this talk about divestment?
Divestment is the removal of university stocks and investments in oil company endowments in companies such as Exxon Mobil and Shell. By removing our investments, we are one step closer to stopping the negative effects these companies have on the environment.
Why does WWU need to divest from fossil fuel?
We want to divest from fossil fuel companies because coal plants put harmful substances into our atmosphere and fracking fluid can leak into the water supply. This can damage all communities, the environment as well as our own personal health in ways such as climate change, drought and human respiratory problems.
Does SRE have any goals for 2014?
Absolutely! We hope to achieve success in our Divest campaign by persuading the Western Foundation and Pres. Bruce Shepard to remove all university investments in oil companies by the end of 2014. We also are continuing to educate more people about divestment and renewable energy so that more students, faculty and staff are aware and involved in the movement.
How can I learn more about divestment and renewable energy?
SRE provides many learning opportunities on campus. Our faculty teach-ins help students, faculty and staff learn how to write letters to Pres. Shepard and the Western Foundation promoting divestment. We also have presentations and meet-and-greet rallies with environmental activists such as Bill McKibbon and Jill MacIntyre Witt.
How will I reach out to the community through SRE?
This is where you come in. SRE needs more members to get the word out there. We need students like you who care about the environment and our university to educate students about clean energy, promote divestment to the Bellingham community and to encourage other faculty and students to join SRE. As a member, you will participate in rallies, meet-and-greets, organize campus events and connect with divest campaigns at other universities.
Are any events coming up this quarter?
We are proud to be involved in the 3rd annual Green Tie Gala on May 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the VU MPR. The Gala is a formal event put on by the environmental clubs at WWU. There will be food provided by Students for Sustainable Food, live music and great conversation. Tickets are $10 with student ID, $12 for general admission. We also are rallying on campus followed by a meet-and-greet with divest activist Bill McKibbon on May 17th.
Can I join SRE?
Any and all Western students are encouraged to join SRE, whether you want to actively participate or just want to know more about divestment. New members are also welcome at any time, not just in the beginning of the school year.
I’m not a member, can I attend meetings?
Members as well as nonmembers are welcome to any club meetings. We normally meet in VU 460 on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., but refer to our Facebook and Twitter for updates on meeting locations and times.
www.facebook.com/pages/WWU-Students-for-Renewable-Energy/154128884681445
Frequently Asked Questions
