Happy Earth Day

There are easy ways for individuals to help ease some environmental strain.

Now the pollen is almost out of the air, trees have turned green for spring, and it’s time we all should too.

Today marks the anniversary of a nationwide protest to include environmental issues in the national agenda.

Though we may not all have a solution to oil dependency or deforestation, there are plenty of things we can do as individuals to help alleviate the strain we place on the environment.

Cut down your daily driving. Try to decrease the number of trips you take by making several stops on each outing, and carpool when roommates or neighbors are going the same direction. Not only will this decrease the amount of fuel you burn, you will save a decent amount of money on gas.

Recycle your trash. Most plastic, glass, paper and cardboard can be recycled in receptacles in various parking lots on campus. Simply placing a separate bin for recycling next to the trash can can help you and your roommates remember to recycle whenever possible.

Turn off lights and television sets when you’re not using them. Your power bill will be less expensive and you can feel good about saving energy.

Conserve water. Georgia’s water problems are not over so keep taking shorter showers and try washing your laundry in cold water. Using hot water uses unnecessary energy for most clothes.

These steps may not make a huge difference on their own, but if we all take a little time and do our part, we can decrease the negative impact we have on our planet.

- Melanie McNeely for the editorial board

Kno-Mo hype

Too early exposure can hurt campaign efforts in attempts to promote players.

The dust barely has settled from G-Day, and already Heisman hype on campus has begun.

A pair of enterprising seniors have created a Web site selling merchandise promoting key players in the race for the 2008 Heisman Trophy. Among them is our own Knowshon Moreno.

We at The Red & Black eagerly are looking forward to what is sure to be an exciting football season, but we’re concerned about the effects of too much early exposure.

We realize campaigns are the best way to get names out. Voters don’t watch every game, and campaigns such as these can greatly aid players on the West Coast, who often play late games.

Web sites such as these put expectations in the minds of fans and voters before the season even begins, and they put lesser-known players at a disadvantage.

What if another Georgia has better numbers at the conclusion of the 2008 season? After a steady preseason “Knowshon for Heisman” campaign, would the dark horse candidate be able to capture enough votes?

Too much hype before the season starts can be detrimental to both the team and the player.

And in a season when the Bulldogs need as little distractions as possible, that hype can just as easily be placed on some other team.

- Phillip Kisubika and Shannon Otto for the editorial board