Name: Bridget Clegg Class: Junior Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio Major: Interdisciplinary Studies/Journalism Political Affiliation: N/A Choice for President: Obama

Bridget Clegg's Halloween costume, made entirely of recycled goods, stood out among the scantily clad witches and schools girls of Miami Uptown.

Clegg's creativity speaks for her passion and dedication to the protection of the environment.

An interdisciplinary studies and journalism major from Cleveland, Clegg supports Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), largely because of his stance on the environment.

"I want our next president to be interested in alternative energies and green jobs," Clegg said.

While Ohio ranks fifth nationally in energy consumption, Clegg is frustrated with the fact that less than one percent of the state's energy comes from alternative sources.

Clegg said she realizes the next president won't be able to accomplish sufficient environment needs without help. Clegg said it is up to major retail chains, like IKEA and Wal-mart who have begun to reduce plastic bags and packaging to help jumpstart conservation efforts.

"IKEA's and Wal-Mart's progress is a start, but we need government mandates," Clegg said.

According to Clegg, such mandates would force citizens to change their habits. While the Oxford Kroger offers a five-cent discount when shoppers opt to use the reusable bags instead of plastic, Clegg said many people aren't choosing to change because they are unable to see the direct impact of their efforts.

In her own house, Clegg has implemented a strict ban of plastic bags.

Clegg said she believes Obama's ideas and policies on the environment are most in-line with her own vision.

Clegg said Obama's campaign engages young people, and his message of change is appealing to youth.

"(Obama) is a breath of fresh air from old McCain, who doesn't know how to use the Internet," Clegg said.

Clegg said she is encouraged by the political activism of young adults.

"For most of us, it's our first big election," Clegg said. "Over the past eight years, we've seen what happens under Republican policy."

To Clegg, the financial situation of the U.S. has hit home.

Clegg's older sister moved to New York to begin working for Lehman Brothers Bank, only to lose her job when the company went bankrupt.

Clegg said she is looking for a president who will stimulate the economy by creating jobs in the green industry.

Clegg said she hopes Obama will make strides to move away from dependency on foreign oil by investing in research for alternative energy.

While Clegg is enthusiastic about her vote for Obama, she said her father is currently undecided and her mother is voting for McCain.

Clegg herself is registered as a Republican.

Yet in the two years since she registered to vote, Clegg said her priorities have changed. Obama's environmental awareness has captured Clegg's vote.