Changing the dialog around sustainability
Yesterday, I spoke on a student panel for a conference that centered around issues of sustainability. There were speakers from various universities (including President Becker from GSU), company heads, interested scholars and a diverse group of other individuals all with a vested interest in integrating and sustaining green systems into our schools, our work and our daily life. Many of the sessions were informative and enlightening, but what I enjoyed the most is when all 4 panelists (emory, ga tech, spellmen, and myself) came together with other interested participants to discuss specifically ways we can share our resources and knowledge to further the goal of sustainability on campus and around Georgia. We were able to exchange ideas, ask questions on how others have implemented certain programs with success, and discuss in general some innovative ways to approach the issues facing sustainability without falling into the trap of sounding like a “liberal, tree hugging hippie”. Now, I say liberal, tree hugging hippie with love because that’s what many of my southern family members think of me. I work in urban gardens, I buy organic food, I try to stray from overly processed and chemical based products, I recycle and I strive to include green development in my thesis work and future plans for a career. The problem is that in this country, and especially in the south, sustainability is too broad of a term that many times is disregarded or resented because of its association with things that might be … Continue reading