Friends of Brook Park: World Beneath the Pavement

A living blog and composting archive of updates, fun announcements, crucial reports and other wonderful information for new volunteers, recent participants and stalwart supporters alike!

Friday, December 12, 2008

"Shut Off the Lights for the Holidays" Essay Contest




"Shut Off the Lights for the Holidays" Essay Contest

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT:

Write an essay 300 words or less describing why cutting down a tree and keeping the lights on all the time are not environmentally sound, and offer creative alternatives.

$100 for the top prize winner!

Please pass this around far and wide coast to coast!!!

$100 for the top prize winner!


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More background:

The era of change is upon us. Al Gore's film has won awards, real
climate experts like James Hansen and Charles Komanoff are presenting
the truth about climate change to Congress, offering policies that may
help the world avert ecological catastrophe. Today almost everyone is
familiar with the issue of "Climate Change".

Nevertheless our planet continues to be endangered because our
continued reliance on fossil fuels has trumped the
transformation to a new Green Economy so urgently needed. A Green
Economy beckons but do we listen? Is Western Civilization ready for an
economy based on renewable fuel sources and greater collective sharing.

The price of continuing to let Mountains be cut in West Virginia and
rainforests cleared in the Amazon is beyond calculation. Yet,
conspicuous consumption abounds, often most pronounced on popular holidays.

To spur the needed change in consciousness, and decision-making,
Friends of Brook Park, a leading environmental organization based in the South, South Bronx of New York City, USA, is sponsoring an essay contest.

Did we tell you there is a $100 for the top prize winner!

With 2nd and 3rd place receiving prizes as well.
(contact us if you want to donate or offer prizes or $ for the participants!)

1 For 8th to 12th grades.

In 300 words or less address this subject:

Write a convincing essay arguing that holiday lights used as ornaments
for trees and windows in December are wasteful and contribute to pollution and catastrophic climate change; And propose festive alternatives that are fun, easy and could, if promoted properly, replace the existing wasteful celebrations.

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT:

Write an essay 300 words or less describing why cutting down a tree and keeping the lights on all the time are not environmentally sound, and offer creative alternatives.


The first 100 entrants will be considered. All essay writers will be
Listed on our popular blog, "World Beneath the Pavement", named after a line
From the song "Willie Says" by Dana Lyons.

The judge's panel will consist of:

Anthony Jordan, CEO of Saint Benedict the Moor Neigborhood Center
Marina Ortiz, Founder of East Harlem Preservation
Steve Ritz, Award Winning Environmental Educator
Derrik Jensen, acclaimed author of A Language Older Than Words and The
Culture of Make Believe, among many others.
Sara Katz, Community Horticulturist, Bronx Green-Up
Roberto Mukaro Borrero, President, United Confederation of Taino People
Harry J. Bubbins, Director, Friends of Brook Park


To enter, Email entries to:

informationATfriendsofbrookparkDOTorg

Subject line: Essay Contest


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Contest

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