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The declaration — pronounced tal-whar — means UW-L is joining more than 350 universities in 40 countries on a commitment to environmental issues.
Gow asked students be part of the signing because they had been behind the push to sign the declaration since 2006.
“We thought it was important to create a culture of sustainability on campus,” said UW-L senior Carrie Wisinski. “This is something students care about, and we want our university to be environmentally responsible.”
The document, created at an international conference in Talloires, France, in 1990, includes a 10-point action plan to incorporate sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities.
Gow said he would not sign the declaration before taking a serious look at whether UW-L could fulfill the commitment. A committee formed, evaluated the 10 points and decided UW-L could commit.
The most important point is the 10th, which is to “maintain the movement,” said Wisinski, saying that responsibility will fall to future students.
A good indicator of current student commitment to sustainable practices is the recent Green Fund vote, said Bjorn Bergman, vice president of the UW-L student association. About 89 percent of students who voted supported the $5 per semester increase in tuition for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects in student-funded buildings beginning in the fall.
Another example of student commitment is Bergman’s leadership in getting many individuals and groups interested in signing the declaration, Gow said.
Other Wisconsin colleges and universities that have signed the declaration include UW-Stevens Point, UW-Parkside and Northland College.
To view the declaration or learn more about it, visit www.ulsf.org.
KJ Lang can be reached at (608) 791-8226 or klang@lacrossetribune.com.
