DESI CADE | staff writer

Follow the little green road to these eco-friendly places for a good time while being mindful of our environment. And in honor of substainability week, ditch the wheels, strap on the helmet or get out that bus pass and go green.

GROW AZUSA
A small plot of land rests between West Campus annex and the soccer field. Students may pass by it everyday never knowing its significance.

This is the Azusa Community Garden, which is empowered through a partnership with Glendora Community Conservancy. The garden exists to bring community members together to cultivate and grow food, including, but not limited to, vegetables and herbs. The Glendora Community Conservancy was formed in 1991 as a non-profit, public benefit corporation to preserve and protect, and make a difference in open space attainment.

It is a terrific way to nurse our earth and promote community bonding. And, the garden serves as a great liaison between APU and the Azusa city community. The plot of land is linked to the Ministry and Service department at APU. Through MAS, students can sign up to be a part of this community outreach.

Plus, students do not have to emit toxins into the air to travel to this plot of land. Since it is located on the east side of West Campus, it should be a short walk or bike ride away for most students. And if you’re falling behind on ministry credits, being involved with the Azusa Community Garden is a way to earn credit while sustaining our environment.

For more information about the garden, stop by the MAS office, which is located on east campus, in the mobile buildings across from the baseball field.

PLANT A S.E.E.D
This week is all about preserving and managing our everyday lifestyle so as not to unnecessarily harm the planet we live on. Have you ever enjoyed hiking the canyon trails and taking in the gorgeous panorama of a rosy sunset descending upon the foothills? Imagine being able to continue to travel those trails while also making a commitment to keep those trails clean and take care of the surrounding environment.

Ministry and Service also involves students in another environmental ministry called Students for Environmental Education and Discovery, known as S.E.E.D.

S.E.E.D. also focuses on issues of environment and collaborates with the San Gabriel Mountain Regional Conservancy. Together they schedule trail clean-ups, school field trips, and educational classes at local elementary schools within the Azusa Unified School District.

The mission of the San Gabriel Mountain Regional Conservancy “is to promote the preservation of land and/or buildings for historic, educational, ecological, recreation, or open space opportunities.”

S.E.E.D. gives students an opportunity to branch out even more into the community and educate younger generations on the importance of sustaining our earth. Working with S.E.E.D. is another way for students to rack up the ministry credits. Students get to experience, hands on, how to clean up the environment, and also get a chance to teach and encourage others to take care of the earth’s resources. For more information contact the MAS office or visit www.sgmrc.org.

GREEN GETAWAY
School can get old fast and sometimes a weekend getaway does not seem like such a bad idea. What does sound like a bad idea is pumping pollution into the atmosphere as you cruise down the freeway in the SUV; so this time around make an effort to take a green getaway.

The first step to taking a green getaway is to utilize public transportation. The train is a great way to travel and take in some scenery. Amtrak is a popular solution for efficient railroad adventures and you can find the nearest station at www.amtrak.com.

Once you arrive at your green destination, do not hesitate to utilize buses, trolleys, and walking paths. Information on these transportation systems can usually be found at information desk.

The key is to pack light. Bringing too much adds extra weight to whatever mode of transportation being utilized, therefore requiring more energy. Plus, isn’t it a hassle to lug around that giant suitcase?

When it comes time to eat some grub, try to consume locally. Chomping down food that arrived from across the country, or world, means lots of energy used in the shipping process. Ask about items on the menu that support local farmers and are grown within a 30 mile radius.

Don’t forget to document your green memories with lots of pictures. However, this time use a digital camera and rechargeable batteries to eliminate your waste.

Whether you’re up for a weekend away or a chance to help save the planet, use the weekend to flex your green power.