Practice Sustainability This Earth Day and Every Day
With influential climate activists like Greta Thunberg championing for international environmental justice, it has never been more evident that change is necessary in the way we treat the planet we call home. This Earth Day, and every day, it is crucial that we all engage in sustainable practices that contribute positively and equitably to the well-being of our planet. Change must start somewhere, and that somewhere is with students like us.
Check out sustainability efforts on your campus!
One of my favorite aspects of college is that of being surrounded by motivated, aware undergraduate students who have a passion for environmental justice. With just a quick search on your university’s website you can connect with amazing sustainability efforts that are likely taking place on your campus year round. Here at the University of Pittsburgh, I stay connected with the Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS), which fosters environmental awareness throughout the Pitt community and seeks to infuse sustainability into the culture, values, and decision making process here at Pitt. Even with the campus currently being closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, SOOS and other organizations like it can remain active and engaged via social media. Getting involved with sustainability efforts on your campus is a great way to make a difference and network with students who share your passion for the planet!
Be aware of sustainability efforts in your community!
Whether your campus is located in the heart of a city or in a rural setting, there are likely sustainability efforts going on within your community. In Pittsburgh, Sustainable Pittsburgh champions sustainable solutions for businesses, organizations, and people within our tight-knit community. Sustainable Pittsburgh seeks to reduce operating costs through efficiency increases like energy, water, manufacturing, and other systems and increase responsiveness to the people of Pittsburgh’s demands for socially conscious products and practices. Reach out to initiatives taking place within your own community to see how you can get involved or bring it to your campus. Attend meetings that are open to the community to use your voice and speak out about what matters to you.
Put it to practice!
If getting involved with campus organizations and community initiatives like that of the Student Office of Sustainability or Sustainable Pittsburgh is not quite your style, there still are countless simple ways in which you can contribute to the well-being of our planet. Be conscious of how much waste you create, including food waste, and utilize recycling facilities whenever you can. Try using a reusable water bottle rather than purchasing plastic water bottles. On my campus, using a reusable coffee cup instead of wasteful plastic ones can even save you money at campus coffee shops and Starbucks. One of my favorite ways to engage in a sustainable activity is by biking to class and around the city on Healthy Ride Pittsburgh bikes rather than driving.
Regardless as to how you choose to engage in sustainable practices on campus and within your community, remember that all change, no matter how small it may seem, has the potential to make a big impact on those around you and on our planet. As Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Let’s overwhelm the world this Earth Day and every day with sustainable practices that will contribute to the well-being of our planet and to everyone who calls it home for generations to come.
About the author
Alana Castle
Alana Castle is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a major in Psychology with certificates in Global Health and the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. The former Miss Teen of America 2018 currently serves as co-president of Pitt’s Chapter of Timmy Global Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating health disparity, and works in the office of Residence Life as a Resident Assistant. Alana is also a Pearson Campus Ambassador at Pitt.
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