Tentative Press Release...

Hey PoJo--Here is the press release as it stands. Judy--had to make up a quote from you. Hope it's cool. Look it over, and if you have any changes/suggestions, let me know. Also, Annelle, as you can see, I put you down as the contact person.

~Joel



Contact: Annelle Sheline FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone: 919-451-0803
Email: annellesheline@yahoo.com

LIGHTS OUT FOR EARTH DAY AT NYU
New York University Students Take
Environmental Matters Into Their Own Hands

New York -- April 18, 2008 -- On Tuesday April 22, Earth Day, a group of activist students at New York University are planning a university-wide, energy-saving blackout appropriately called ‘Blackout NYU.’ The event, which will commence with the first NYU classes on Tuesday morning, asks professors and students to turn off their classroom lights to reinforce the University’s efforts to “go green.”

The hope is that NYU Blackout will not only save energy at the University on Earth Day, but that it will serve mainly as a reminder that little things, like turning off the lights, if done collectively, can made a significant impact. “It’s symbolic.” said one of the students, Judith Jaslow. “It shows that there are small commitments we all can make to make our planet a healthier place to live.”

The students’ goal is to get as many students and professors to commit to going dark on Tuesday as possible. This weekend, they will storm many of the NYU buildings, posting signs on classroom doors and above light switches, advertising the event. The students even have a plan for the classrooms without windows: “Have class outside. The weather is going to be beautiful next week!” said Joel Pietrzak.

In conjunction with the Blackout effort, the students will be holding a small demonstration in Washington Square Park on Earth Day from 12:30PM until 4:30PM. Decked out in ‘Blackout NYU’ T-shirts, the students will be engaging passers-by about what they can do to help the environment. They will ask people to commit to doing something, large or small, in honor of Earth Day, whether it be replacing their light bulbs at home with energy efficient ones, or pledging to recycle more often. Once this commitment is determined, they will draw a footprint with chalk in the sidewalk. Inside this “carbon footprint,” each person will write down their personal contribution.

For more information, please call Annelle Sheline at 919-451-0803 or e-mail Annelle at annellesheline@yahoo.com.