VCU news

By Patrick Kane

Vandana Shiva, Ph.D., an activist and thought leader on the social and environmental impacts of industrial-scale agriculture and globalization, will headline Virginia Commonwealth University’s Earth Week activities next month.

Shiva will speak and participate in a panel discussion Thursday, April 19, from 5-7 p.m. at the VCU School of the Arts Depot, 814 W. Broad St. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is requested.

“Our students are passionate about issues of social and environmental justice, in Richmond and beyond,” said Erin Stanforth, director of sustainability at VCU. “We look forward to a rich discussion on ways we all can impact the Earth, and each other, in more positive ways.”

The Office of Sustainability, part of the Division of Administration, is sponsoring the event.

Following her speech, Shiva will join two VCU professors for a panel discussion, “Exploring Issues of Social Justice and Environmental Impacts on Fashion.” Kimberly Guthrie, associate chair and assistant professor in the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising in the School of the Arts, and Meredith Katz, Ph.D., teaching assistant professor in the Department of Sociology in the College of Humanities and Sciences, will share their perspectives.

Shiva has spoken, organized and consulted worldwide on issues including genetically modified organisms, biodiversity and sustainability. She is the author of several books, including “Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution, and Profit,” “Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply” and “The Violence of the Green Revolution: Third World Agriculture, Ecology, and Politics.” Shiva trained as a physicist at the University of the Punjab and earned her doctorate from the University of Western Ontario.

For those unable to attend, a livestream video will be available on the Office of Sustainability’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vcusustainability.

Shiva’s speech is among many activities planned by student groups and departments at the university in celebration of Earth Week:

Film screening: “An Inconvenient Truth”
Monday, April 16, 5-9 p.m. 5 p.m.
Meet and Greet, Green roof of Pollak Building, 325 N. Harrison St.
6 p.m.  Film screening in Pollak Building, Room 321
Host: Green Unity

RamBikes tabling
Tuesday, April 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Compass

Group ride and film screening
Tuesday, April 17, 6-9 p.m.
6 p.m. Ride departs from RamBikes, 201 N. Belvidere St.
7 p.m. Film screening at Outdoor Rental Center, 130 S. Linden St.
Hosts: Outdoor Adventure Program and VCU RamBikes

Earth Day Bazaar
Wednesday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
University Commons Plaza, 907 Floyd Ave.
Host: Green Unity

Wellness fair
Wednesday, April 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.

Vandana Shiva speech and panel discussion
Thursday, April 19, 5-7 p.m.
VCU School of the Arts Depot, 814 W. Broad St.
Host: Office of Sustainability

Second annual Earth Day picnic
Friday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grace Street Green Space (next to West Grace Street Student Housing – South, 835 W. Grace St.)
Host: Office of Sustainability

Solar panel discussion with Erik Curren, author of “The Solar Patriot”
Friday, April 20, 3-5 p.m.
University Student Commons, Commons Theater
Host: Green Unity

Benefit show
Location and time TBA
Hosts: Green Unity, Amnesty International

Earth Day yoga
Sunday, April 22, noon to 5 p.m.
Grace Street Green Space (next to West Grace Street Student Housing – South, 835 W. Grace St.)
Host: Green Unity