The editors would like to thank all involved for their time and effort on this edition of The Voice.

The opinions expressed in any Sweet Briar College publication or other forms of media are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration. Therefore, Sweet Briar College is not responsible for its content.

Editorials represent the opinion(s) of the editor(s) and/or staff/guest writer(s).

This site was designed and is maintained by Caroline Baxley. Please email any questions or comments concerning the web site to her.

First year starts new club promoting animal rights, environmentalism, and health
By Nikki Brandt '06
STAFF WRITER

Do you CARE? Then there’s a new club on campus that just might be right for you. Compassion for Animal Rights and the Environment (CARE) teaches a harmonious environmentally-friendly approach to life. CARE founder, Kathryn Crittenden ’09, said that the principles are similar to other environmentally minded clubs on campus, PAWS and the SBC Environmental club, but CARE takes it one step further.

A choice to become vegan is one such example. While being a vegetarian or vegan is not a requirement, a commitment or interest in the goals of CARE is required. There are many small choices students can make in their daily lives to show they CARE. Choosing to conserve paper, not eating foods that are ecologically expensive, not using beauty products tested on animals, and reducing water use are some examples. These are all positive improvements on the consumer-based lifestyle most Americans lead.

While there are many positive health benefits to following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, participants need to be extra careful to make sure they are getting vital protein and calcium in their diets. With some prior research it is even possible to eat a balanced non-vegetarian diet and have a lesser impact on the natural world. For example, there are many conscious decisions that can be made concerning seafood consumption. One of the most ecologically expensive foods, meaning one of the most stressful, costly, and damaging to the environment, is shrimp. When harvested, over 98 percent of what is caught in a shrimp fisheries’ net is by catch, other species that will not be consumed but are waste products. Even if the shrimp is farmed, it has taken over valuable mangrove forests, which serve as a nursery for many fish species. Thus, it would be much better ecologically to choose another seafood product besides fish. (For more information on seafood go to http://www2.blueocean.org/Seafood_Detail/36 )

Recycling in your dorm rooms, volunteering with the SPCA, buying products with less packaging, helping out with the campus organic garden, adopting a highway - these are all ideas that one persons or a group of persons can accomplish. Making conscious decisions as a consumer can help ensure resources for tomorrow. The environmental cost of most of our decisions is not factored monetarily into our purchases, but imagine if it was. If the actually cost of a hamburger - the water, grain, and land it takes to raise one cow - was incorporated into your next McDonald’s meal, customers would think twice and reduce their consumption, look for healthier and more ecologically friendly options.

In short, if you happen to see a flyer for CARE, give it a chance. It may sound radical and crazy, but all it’s really guilty of doing is something most of us are already committed to - trying to make this world a better place to live for all. The club is advised by Professor Calarco, and in addition to president Kathryn Crittenden, Sarah Trotta ’09 and Julia Patt ’09, also hold offices. Currently CARE is still looking for a vice president and treasurer. If you are interested in being involved, contact Kathryn Crittenden at crittenden09@sbc.edu or x4033.