E3 - Frequently Asked Questions
What is E3?
E3 is Wesleyan’s student environmental group. The three E’s stand for Earth, Equality, and Education.
What does E3 do?
E3 is divided into three committees. Our general goal is to promote environmental action via education and activism. The Middletown Committee coordinates E3’s involvement with the surrounding community, educating students and Middletown residents about local environmental issues and taking action on these issues. National issues deals with the local implications of broader issues, including global warming, unsustainable forestry, problems with nuclear energy, and the destruction of natural habitats. The Wesleyan committee works to make Wesleyan more environmentally friendly by overseeing the recycling program, working with physical plant to increase the number and accessibility of recycling options on campus, and by working to bring composting of food waste to Wesleyan. Also, Earth Week plans this year’s Earth Week (centered around April 22 which is Earth Day), and coordinates the activities of the various E3 committees for this occasion.
Do you have to be an expert on the environment to join?
All that is expected of new members is to share our general concern about environmental issues and to be willing to learn more about them.
Is E3 looking for new members? Is E3 open to everyone?
If you go to Wesleyan, we’d love to have you. The more dedicated members we have, the more we can accomplish.
Why should I care about the environment?
Global warming is a pretty big issue. The temperature increase means an increase in sea level (goodbye coastal areas), and should help expand deserts while at the same time spreading disease. The depletion of the ozone layer means higher rates of skin cancer, but you won’t want to go outdoors anyway because of bad air quality and disappearing natural areas. We also don’t like the idea of economic collapse as soon as petroleum runs out, and would like to switch to alternative energy sources sooner, before the economy is harmed, and before fossil fuels destroy our environment further. The environment is where we live, and gives us the resouces we need for life. Fighting for the environment helps us, helps people around the world, and even keeps thousands of species from needless extinction.
What can students really do to fix these massive problems?
Plenty. By coordinating our efforts with students at other colleges and with environmental groups all around the country, we can put pressure on industries and the government to act responsibly. E3 members work with SEAC, the SSC, the Rainforest Action Network, and more. We can stop Wesleyan University from being part of the problem. All of our efforts leave the Wesleyan community better than they found it. Why give up instead of making things better?
Last question. How much time do I have to put in?
As much as you want. You can attend all of the weekly meetings, or just help out once a year at some random event. E3 needs both types of people, so we welcome whatever type of commitment you want to make. The first step is to attend one of our meetings – Tuesdays at 10PM in PAC 002. Hope to see you there.
Questions? Email E3