The Environmental Stewardship Coalition (ESC) is a student-led organization at Calvin that focuses on “discussing, learning and acting upon environmental concerns on campus and beyond.”

Having been around since the 1990s, the ESC is a veteran organization. Years ago, they started the community garden and recently expanded it next to the Spoelhof Fieldhouse, where the garden now produces food for the dining halls.

The ESC is also in charge of designing and providing CUPPS (Cannot Use Paper, Plastic or Styrofoam) mugs, which students can bring in and out of the dining halls and get a discount at the Fish House. If you’re a first-year student and don’t have one of these cups yet, don’t worry; this year’s batch of CUPPS mugs are on their way.

Last spring break, the group went to Washington, D.C. to get some hands-on experience working with an environmental lobbyist group, the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

Various ESC events that occur throughout the year include dumpster diving, attending showings of environmental films, as well as the annual spring Helmets and Hummus event.

The faculty advisor of ESC, Gail Heffner, is one of the principal leaders of the Plaster Creek Stewards, so it’s no wonder that the ESC has close ties to this unique organization as well.

“ESC exists because we, as Christians, believe that caring for the world around is an essential part of loving God and building the kingdom,” said Annaka Scheeres, the president of the club.

The ESC meets every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Hekman Library lobby to hang out and discuss environmental topics. If you’re not able to stop by a meeting, check out the ESC Facebook page for some more information at Calvin Environmental Stewardship Coalition. It has more information about upcoming events as well as a calendar. The website also has contact info for getting in touch, suggesting ideas and who to email in order to receive updates on ESC via email.