Earthy advocate

Benn Davenport was recently elected commissioner of environmental affairs for Chico State’s Associated Students. He brought Earth Peace Project from Butte College to CSU Chico and actively participates in the organization’s intercollegiate activities to increase the community’s awareness of peace and social justice. With Earth Day on April 22, Davenport has been busy helping to plan celebrations at Butte College while getting acclimated to his new job. He’s got big plans to think globally and act locally.

What does Earth Peace Project have planned for Earth Day?

EPP and the Butte College A.S. are hosting an Earth Day Festival from April 24 to April 26 exploring sustainability, music, speech and fashion. Brett Dennen plays at 11 a.m. on April 24, and he’s followed by our thrift store fashion show. Tuesday we have guest speakers on sustainable construction and alternative energy, with live DJs and bands. Our flyers are posted around town listing all the events.

Congratulations on your new post with the A.S. What did you do on your first day in office?

I took a guided tour at the Chico State Recycling Center in the morning and took a trip to the North Valley Waste Management recycling center for another tour in the afternoon. I observed how the entire recycling process plays out for the campus community. It was a great experience.

Earth Peace Project is known for activism. Do you guys have anything planned in the near future?

George W. Bush is going to be visiting an alternative-energy research center in Sacramento on Earth Day, and we’re discussing a road trip down there to further encourage his sudden profound interest in alternative energy. Photo op, anyone?

As our world rapidly worsens, how do you feel about participating in radical activism to get your point across?

With the current state of affairs in this nation, I don’t feel like radical activism is a safe avenue of expression, what with warrantless wire tapping, warrant-less searches and the unprecedented attempt of the executive branch to obtain power.

What do you plan on doing in your new position as commissioner of environmental affairs?

I want to bring biodiesel to Butte County so people can inexpensively fill any diesel engine, be it trucks, farm equipment or cars. I want to find a sustainable alternative to pesticide use on campus and to pursue an organic-foods program where students on campus can raise food for other students—a Food for Students, Food by Students program. I’m looking forward to working with CSUC’s new A.S. president and former commissioner of environmental affairs, Courtney Voss.

In one sentence, if you had Captain Planet-like skills, what would you do to make the Earth a healthier place to live?

I’d reveal the inherent beauty of the Earth that surrounds us to people and show them how to make communities that reflect stewardship and respect for the planet, our means of survival and sustenance.