Survey: Elon University Students Conscious of Environment

by Kevin Clang

With Earth Day coming up next week, many Elon University students are contemplating the environment and the effect they have on it.  In an informal survey of over one hundred Elon students administered today by The Pendulum, 90 percent of students said they consider themselves to be environmentally aware.  

The official Earth Day symbol (Image from Wikipedia)

Students are also doing their part to help the environment.  In the poll, 64 precent responders think Elon has made a difference in their level of environmental awareness, and 67 percent are actively taking part in reducing global warming.  Most students listed recycling as one major way they personally are taking action.

“Elon has definitely made it easier to take action against global warming,” said sophomore  Kayla Brown, giving the school’s many recycling bins and environment-friendly dining halls as examples.  Several students also cite recycling, walking more and promoting alternative energy as steps they take to preserve the environment.  An estimated billion people around the world participated in Earth Day 2007.

 

90% of polled Elon University students consider themselves environmentally aware.

 

Not every student views global warming as an immediate threat, however.  About 32 precent of those surveyed say they are not concerned by global warming.  ”On my list of things I worry about, global warming is very low,” admitted freshman Julie Pedro, though she confessed to recycling whenever she could anyways.

 

67% of polled Elon University students say they're actively trying to prevent global warming

 

Earth Day is held annually on April 22.  The holiday was first recognized in 1970, when nearly 20 million people demonstrated in major cities across the United States.  Since it has become a global phenomenon.  In recent years the holiday has been used as a method to publicize the effects of global warming and counteract them.  Full results of the survey can be found in this weeks Pendulum or on the Pendulum Online.

Survey: Oscar Night has Mixed Viewership at Elon University

"Slumdog Millionaire" Poster

by Kevin Clang

Of nearly 100 people surveyed at Elon University, only a little over half watched Sunday night’s Academy Awards.  In an informal convenience survey of 96 students, faculty and staff at Elon University, 56 people said they watched at least part of the telecast, while 40 skipped the ceremony completely.

Even though almost half of those surveyed said they did not  watch the Awards show, 61 could name the night’s best picture winner, “Slumdog Millionaire.”  Many of those surveyed cited the film’s unique setting and style, classic underdog story and low budget as reasons why it might have won.

Best picture was one of eight awards “Slumdog Millionaire” walked away with.  Other trophies for the film included best adapted screenplay, best orignal song, and best cinematography.  Despite the acclaim, 52 of those surveyed had not seen the film.  Only 44 said they had watched the movie, some multiple times.

Survey of Elon Students

“Slumdog Millionaire” is a British drama directed by Danny Boyle, of “Trainspotting” and “28 Days Later” fame, who was awarded best director.  It tells the story of a boy growing up in the slums of Mumbai, India, who appears on the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” exceeding the expectations of friends and family and arousing suspicion of law enforcement.

The Oscars were hosted by actor Hugh Jackman.  Other winners included best actor Sean Penn for “Milk,” best actress Kate Winslet for “The Reader,” best supporting actor Heath Ledger for “The Dark Knight,” and best supporting actress Penelope Cruz for “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”  A complete list of the night’s nominees and winners can be found at the official site.