Cara Donovan '08
I'm co-chair of Sprout!, Connecticut College's organic gardening initiative. Last year we provided more than 100 pounds of vegetables to the dining halls, and our organic herbal teas are sold at the Blue Camel Café in the library. In addition to growing organic produce, we promote the purchase of locally and organically grown foods and educate the College community about sustainable agriculture. People don't realize that the choices they make regarding food can have a big impact on the environment.
Sprout! is unique, because it gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn about an environmental issue. For us, getting our hands dirty in the garden is about establishing a closer connection with our food and getting people to think more about what they put on their plates.
Since I've been here, I've seen students become more environmentally aware. The entire campus is very supportive of our efforts, from the people in the dining halls to the faculty and staff, who are great resources with the garden.
An environmental studies and Hispanic studies double major, I'm also co-chair of the Renewable Energy Club. I've been interested in the environment since high school, and I chose Connecticut College because of its commitment to environmental issues.