The Story
"Green is Sexy" Calendar Promises to Scandalize the College
To many, environmentalists are stereotypically stodgy academics, who may not be the most pleasant activists to look at. Consider, for example, an Al Gore or a Ralph Nader.
But the College’s chapter of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) is trying to change that stereotype with their “Green is Sexy” calendar featuring student models clad only in environmental gear.
SEAC has been highly involved in promoting environmentalism at the College, as evidenced by its pushing of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment and a recent protest against the building of a coal-burning power plant. However, the calendar serves as a divertissement of sorts, something not only to raise awareness of SEAC and its cause, but also to promote a positive, fun spin on environmentalism.
Michelle McKenzie (’10), a SEAC member and a model in the calendar, is optimistic about the effects of the calendar.
“I think it'd be great,” McKenzie said, “if we could gain some members out of this or at least some awareness and support for the environmental causes around campus.”
Despite some initial insecurity, the models seemed to be comfortable with the concept of a nude calendar. Nonetheless, many still had apprehensions about how it would be developed.
Jess Mackow (’06), a model who has been involved with SEAC for several years, was very excited about the project, but as the time approached, she had some anxieties.
“I jumped right in. I later had misgivings, not on principle of it being a nude calendar, just body image insecurities,” Mackow said. “But everyone was very supportive.”
Despite the controversy one would assume to be associated with a nude calendar, the models had few qualms about revealing themselves to the student body. Many feel that the campus environment is conducive to such self-expression and are reassured that the photographs will be displayed in a respectable fashion to not take advantage of the models.
Marjorie Russell (’09), a model who, while not a member of SEAC, heard about the project and desired to be involved, hopes that the photographs will be viewed as art rather than something obscene with scant societal value.
“I think that there is this perception of nudeness as the same as being nakedness,” Russell said. “It’s not. Nudity is just existing in your most natural form.”
In addition to the calendar, SEAC has several other goals that mix a traditional approach to environmental activism with a fun, more accessible approach.
On Dec. 7, SEAC will be showing episodes of Captain Planet at 7 p.m. in Andrews Hall room 101 as a fun end to the semester. SEAC also remains faithful to its original goals to implement changes like a larger campus garden, publicity for recycling and the recent distribution of plastic mugs and fluorescent light bulbs to freshmen.
While a nude calendar may stray from some traditional ideas of environmentalism, it is anticipated to raise awareness, all the while providing the campus with a source of entertainment and with new definitions of sexuality.
“I'm hoping that people will see the calendar, and not only become more informed about environmental issues,” Mackow said, “but also appreciate the nudity and photos as something beautiful.”
The originator of the idea, Zach Pilchen (’09), SEAC member and Student Assembly President, did not respond to requests for comment.
SEAC co-facilitator Jake Reeder (’09) hopes that the calendar project will be a lucrative fundraiser for SEAC, with funds being used to augment the club’s current ecological goals.
“We hope to raise about $1,000,” Reeder said, “as a general fundraiser for the club.”
The calendar will be available for $10 on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Captain Planet marathon, and students interested should contact SEAC at envact@wm.edu or look out for publicity on Facebook and around campus.