NW Valley Times

In a generous display of environmental consciousness, students at Grand Canyon University participated in a T-shirt donation drive to celebrate Green Week. The event, known as Sustainapalooza, saw students turning in their old T-shirts in exchange for exclusive Green Week shirts.

Among the participants was Brendan Hail, who shared the stories behind some of the T-shirts he donated. He explained, “It’s Spanish” in reference to a T-shirt that read “Jesus te ama” translating to “Jesus loves you” in English. Hail also mentioned his collection of Chiefs T-shirts, stating, “I come from Kansas City. I’ve got a lot of Chiefs T-shirts.”

Reflecting on the significance of the donation drive, Noah Voss, ASGCU Sustainability Director, emphasized the importance of consuming less for sustainability. Voss stated, “For sustainability, less is more. Just seeing the value of what they have instead of buying more stuff. Taking those small steps adds up.”

The event not only encouraged students to declutter and donate but also shed light on the environmental impact of clothing production. Maria Rodriguez Pereira, ASGCU community engagement director, highlighted the wastefulness of clothing production, noting, “The production of clothes – the more you produce, the more wasteful.”

The T-shirts collected during the drive will be donated to a local nonprofit, emphasizing the spirit of giving back to the community. Additionally, the event aimed to raise awareness about sustainable practices and the importance of conscious consumption.

As students engaged in activities like making environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and decorating reusable bags, the message of sustainability resonated throughout the campus. Through initiatives like Green Week, Grand Canyon University is fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among its student body.

With a focus on reducing waste and promoting sustainable choices, events like Sustainapalooza serve as reminders for individuals to rethink their consumption habits and make a positive impact on the environment.