No Impact Man to speak at Social Justice Book and Lecture Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 9, 2012 #129
Contact: Wandra Brooks Green
816-235-1601

Colin Beavan’s book selected for student and community reading

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After challenging himself to live eco-effectively for one year – swearing off plastic and toxins, turning off electricity and going organic – Colin Beavan wrote about that experience and now will share what he learned at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Beavan’s book “No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process,” challenges audiences to question their environmental impact and to seek ways to live “lighter” in their communities.

He will speak at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the Student Union Multipurpose Room. The lecture is free and open to the public. Beavan – an author, writer, blogger, consultant and engaged citizen – will discuss the experiment that began in November 2006 where he, his wife, two-year-old daughter and their dog lived in New York City with minimal environmental impact.

Sponsored by the UMKC Division of Diversity, Access and Equity, approximately 500 students from the College of Arts and Sciences Business and Education 100 courses and 100 from Environmental Studies classes, as well as approximately 150 additional students from the University 101 courses, will participate in this discussion after having read the book. Also participating will be members of local churches, libraries, book clubs and civic organizations interested in developing a commitment to sustainability.

UMKC’s efforts to create a sustainable campus through state-of-the-art green buildings, roof top gardens, free bike rentals and an expanded recycling program address some of these important issues.

UMKC is ranked in the top 50 colleges nationally for its most recent sustainability efforts, as well as its continued commitment to going green, in the Sierra Club “Cool Schools” list. In 2010, UMKC ranked 95th on the list, and today the university is ranked 50th.

The DDAE continues to provide initiatives supporting cultural social justice and inclusion. As part of these initiatives, it brings relevant voices to UMKC by sponsoring guest lecturers who are renowned in the fields.

“One of the goals of our office is to encourage students, faculty and staff to engage in their communities and work toward a just society that includes everyone,” said Karen Dace, deputy chancellor, Division of Diversity, Access and Equity.

A book signing will follow. Parking at the University Center and Cherry Street Garage is free during this event.

For additional details, visit DDAE‘s website or call (816) 235-6704.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

 

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 This information is available to people with speech or hearing impairments by calling Relay Missouri at (800) 735-2966 (TT) or (800) 735-2466 (voice).


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