Welcome back to the weekend newsletter!
Today, read about sustainability and pollution on campus and the passage of Bellingham's Initiative 2. Also, for this week's opinion, get some advice on how to bar-hop without looking like a fool.
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Western sent 16 students to the Methow and Okanogan Valleys this summer to participate in the Campus Sustainability Planning Studio
This summer, Western Washington University sent 16 students to the Methow and Okanogan Valleys to participate in the Campus Sustainability Planning Studio, a 10-week program combining climate-focused coursework with a paid internship.
Joshua Porter, an adjunct professor at Western’s College of the Environment, piloted the program in the summer of 2020 through the Sustainability Pathways program. Before that, all projects done through the class were based in Whatcom County...
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How is the return of students to campus coupled with a mask mandate contributing to pollution?
Disposable masks are a new kind of waste found on Western Washington University’s campus now that everyone is required to wear a mask or suitable face covering in all indoor and public settings.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, there’s been an increase in the variety of face coverings that are worn to provide protection from the virus. Some are worn for comfort, some for convenience and some because studies show they provide optimal protection, but how much waste is created from those few inches of material that have become such a significant part of preventing the spread of COVID-19?...
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Policing landscape changes, Bellingham’s Initiative 2 passes
The passage of Bellingham’s Initiative 2, banning city and police use and retention of facial recognition and predictive policing technology, is a move for civil liberty for the people of Bellingham, and a force of change for the Bellingham Police Department.
The initiative passed with 57.17% support on 16,560 votes, against 42.83% opposition, or 12,405 votes...
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How to not make a fool of yourself at your next bar-hop
A psychology major, a friend visiting from the University of Washington and the birthday girl walk into a bar. Awed by the low-light planetary fixtures in shades of muted red, orange and white, the group hangs in the back — contemplating the cost of cocktails chalked into the board on their right.
From an outside perspective, it seems this group knows what they are doing. But in the minds of newly minted 21-year-olds, walking into an unfamiliar setting and ordering a drink for the first time can be intimidating...
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Have something to say? The Front welcomes opinion pieces, commentary, illustration and other creative works from members of the Bellingham and WWU community. Contact eic.westernfront@gmail.com to pitch an idea or submit a piece.
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Have you listened to The ForeFront?
Available on Spotify, Pandora and Amazon Music, The ForeFront is a new weekly podcast where we recap the news you need to know this week and take a deep dive into local stories.
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In its most recent episode, reporters of the ForeFront discussed the Seattle city council's vote to decriminalize psychedelics, Christian schools, and concerts!
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Sailing back to normal
After taking last season off because of COVID-19, Western Washington University’s sailing team sets sail again on Lake Whatcom in a fleet of small boats, sharpening their skills for regattas to come.
Sailors compete in regattas, which are two day-long events where teams compete in several races a day. Races are around 15 minutes long and have anywhere from five to 20 competing boats. At the end of the two-day event, scores are tallied up based on race placement and the smallest score wins...
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Missed the weekday edition of our newsletter?
Check it out here.
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You can leave a comment on our Community Input Form.
Interested in submitting a guest column?
Contact westernfront.opeditor@gmail.com for more information.
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