Ed Passerini visits

On July 16, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Ed Passerini, a former professor from New College at The University of Alabama. Passerini coordinated the first environmental group on campus in 1970. This group, which was known as Students for Environmental Action, had ties with like-minded lobbyists in Washington, D.C. The SEA had a triple foci that stressed informing members about environmental sustainability, spreading the word about such issues to others, and raising money for other ecologically focused groups.

Many members of the SEA were interested in the concept of zero population growth, which emphasizes birth control methods that allow for adequate resource allocation among earth's inhabitants. The group eventually morphed into the Alabama Nature Conservatory, and then they affiliated with the Alabama Environmental Council. As the story goes, the affiliation diminished in the early 2000s.

Passerini also shared the story of how he installed solar panels on the roof of Carmichael Hall in the 1970s; however, he was forced to take them down because they were said to be a danger. He divulged his role in developing the first solar car as well.

He gave me a book he wrote titled "The Curve of the Future," which presents many angles of the earth's ability to sustain life. It's scattered, but in a good way. I recommend it to anyone who would like to get a grasp on what "sustainability" is about.

-Emily