Welcome to the Environmental Center (EC) Digest!

Every two weeks, this little gem of digital media arrives in your inbox full of all things environmental, sustainable, socially responsible, and just plain "green".

Scroll down to check out:

And of course, our thought-provoking opening thoughts from EC students and staff. Enjoy!

Shock and Response

A friend and I were recently talking about the social and environmental impacts of the coronavirus crisis. Of course, the situation we are in now is not something anyone would want for our world. At the same time, there are already discussions of potential positive outcomes of this shock that the world has received. For instance, it is highlighting the current lags and gaps in our online learning systems in a way that potentially will result in a push for progress in these areas moving forward.

On the social and environmental sustainability front, we're seeing a short term benefit in the form of drastically reduced pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, fear of infection has increased the use of plastic and disposable items. Public transportation is seeing decreased use and may suffer from perceptions of safety associated with social distancing. And a pressure to reignite the economy may drive leaders to make short-sighted decisions that will have long-term environmental consequences.

That may sound dire. But our efforts have never been easy. We've fought against the tide before and we will again. What is for certain, is that it will be the work done now that will carry the momentum through the recovery from this crisis. Our progress is not lost, but if we sit back now, it may be. It will be the groups that keep pushing through the hardship that will come out on the other side with more inertia heading into the future. Now is as important a time for action as any.

Marty Pool

Environmental Center Coordinator

FLC is continuously reviewing and updating its response to COVID-19 based on regional and state guidelines. As you may know, on March 25, a stay at home order was issued for the State of Colorado to protect public health and safety. All in-person events and gatherings have been postponed or canceled through the rest of the semester.

While this newsletter should not be your go-to resource for COVID-19 updates, we will continue to try our best to reflect updated information for environmental and sustainability happenings and opportunities in our community. To stay completely up to date on the status of anything we reference, we recommend you visit the associated web page, Facebook page, or reach out to any listed contacts directly.

For more information on FLC decisions and policies, visit FLC COVID-19 updates

Celebrate Earth Week Online!

The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, and we invite you to celebrate virtually with us! This year’s theme “Climate Action: Healthy Choices for a Healthy Planet” takes on a whole new meaning as COVID-19 dramatically impacts our daily routines and our perspective on earth-friendly and community-friendly choices.

Everyone can join the celebration while keeping up social distancing by participating in empowering, educational, and uplifting activities all week from April 18 to 26. Activities will center around an online bingo card with tons of great actions you can take all week long. We'll also be hosting a photo contest through the EC's Instagram - @environmentalcenterflc. Take part all week and be entered in for some great prizes!

For more information including the week’s action bingo card, visit www.durangogov.org/earthweek and the Facebook event page .

For info on the photo contest, follow us on Instagram @environmentalcenterflc

Questions? Feel free to email Marty at [email protected].

Last Chance! Submit your PEAK Experience Leader Application TODAY!

Due to the coronavirus response, we are extending our application period. G et your applications in ASAP for this paid opportunity in August! The Environmental Center (the EC) is looking for student leaders for our pre-campus Peak Experience – Earth In Your Hands. The program is a four-day, off-campus experience designed to introduce incoming first-year FLC students to environmental ideas and provide a strong sense of belonging. The experience will be based out of the Old Fort at Hesperus with activities and programs on site and in the surrounding area.

For information on how to apply, email EC Coordinator, Marty Pool, [email protected]

Know an incoming FLC Skyhawk? Encourage them to register for PEAK Earth In Your Hands !

Alumni Update

Jeanett Jansen, who ran the Free Store during the '16-17 academic year, recently reached out to share her experience with how the pandemic impacted her Peace Corps service. After weeks of commitment to the program, she was evacuated from Myanmar in mid-March, on of over 6,000 Peace Corps members from around the globe brought back to the U.S. Her story is one of challenge and hearbreak alongside dedication and resilience. The world can be a hard place, but we're all doing our best to make it better. We continue to be inspired by the next chapters in lives of our EC alumni.

Want to share your story? Email [email protected] with your update and pictures!

No Man's Land Online Film Festival

The No Man’s Land Film Festival is an adventure film festival based out of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado that meets a need and desire to highlight and connect individuals who identify as women in pursuit of the radical.

A virtual screening of recent tour films will be available for viewing through Friday, April 17 at 11:59 PM. It's a fun and inspiring distraction from the current circumstances. Check it out and keep up the stoke with these amazing women!

To receive a link and code to the virtual screening, please email the Outdoor Pursuits representative at [email protected] .

San Juan Citizen's Alliance can still use volunteers for (remote) LPEA elections work!

LPEA elections are still happening and SJCA is working to support candidates that are in favor of pushing for local, clean, and cheaper energy solutions. Remote activities include help with phone banking, envelope addressing, and letters to the editor – activities you can readily do from the comforts of home!

For more information and to sign up, fill out this volunteer from through SJCA .

The Good Food Collective is updating their Food Resources Guide daily - check it out!

The Good Food Collective's Food Resource Guide is live now on their website. You can check out nonprofit and institutional ways to get free and reduced cost meals in our region. This guide is live, so please keep in mind that it's information is changing and evolving as more services are verified and hours are changed.

Durango Helps: Ways to Donate & Resource Information

One of our incredible community members, Anna Peterson, hall pulled together a list of information and resources for Durango and surrounding communities.

If you have additional resources or updated info for the list, email Anna at [email protected] 

Uplift has put together a Southwest Resources Document

To support our community across the greater Southwest, the Uplift Organizing Team has compiled a COVID-19 Resources for the Southwest document. It includes a list of mutual aid groups in the region and links to helpful resources compiled by organizers across the nation. If you know of a mutual aid network or important resource that is missing, please let them know!

The Uplift Team can be reached at: [email protected] or more info at their website .

Durango Natural Foods open with curbside pickup

DNF is still committed to providing people in the Durango/Four Corners area with healthy foods that they can obtain in a safe manner. By supporting them you are supporting local and environmentally conscious food options!

Regular updates and information can be found at the Durango Natural Food website .

Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more!

Be Sure to Share Opportunities with Us!

Understandably, organizations are re-evaluating opportunities for the near future, but we know there's still a lot going on in the environmental and sustainability realms.

We pride the EC Digest in being an excellent resource for students and community members looking for jobs, internships, and other opportunities in this field. We believe in the power of strong social networks to share this important information.

Know of an opportunity? Be sure to email it to the EC Coordinator, Marty Pool at [email protected]

News and Inspiration from Our Community and Beyond