RA360: Sustainability
TL;DR
Sustainability is a goal of many colleges and universities. Although you may think of environmental sustainability first, it is the much broader ideas of “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” There are ways you can help promote reflection and action in your residents both as a role model and through educational efforts.
Sustainability is a word that’s used a lot across colleges and universities, but what is it? Why is it important? How does sustainability fit into your role as a student staff member?
In this RA360…
What Is Sustainability?
“meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
“the integration of environmental health, social equity and economic vitality in order to create thriving, healthy, diverse and resilient communities for this generation and generations to come. The practice of sustainability recognizes how these issues are interconnected and requires a systems approach and an acknowledgement of complexity.”
What’s a B-Corp?
Roomapct is a B-Corp. It’s a certification process companies can choose to go through to verify they act in ways that are sustainable and do right by employees, society, and the planet.
“B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.” Learn More
Environmental Sustainability
Many campuses are exploring how to eliminate waste and reduce their carbon footprint. While large-scale systemic change is crucial, there are many ways to implement adjustments day-to-day as an individual that can have a large impact on your lifestyle and that of your community. While folks are living away from family, often for the first time, it’s a great idea to introduce habits that one can hopefully carry forward in life, wherever one may next go.
Lessons from Santa Clara University’s Center for Sustainability
At Boston University, they’ve created the following tips to make your space more welcoming while working toward a more sustainable, healthy campus.
- Considering that around 1/3 of your life is spent asleep, opt for organic bedding, which uses materials such as cotton and bamboo grown without pesticides
- Invest in a Smart Strip power strip to further reduce phantom load
- Switch off the lights when you leave your room
- If you need to purchase a small appliance such as a mini-fridge, choose an Energy Star–rated option
- Ditch plastic water bottles and carry a reusable one(plates, utensils, and napkins too)
- Before throwing away items in good condition, consider donating it
Small Ways to Save
Saving the planet is a big task and it goes far beyond the collegiate space. As you think about the large implications of shortages and the role each company and country can individually serve, it can be overwhelming. Consider starting small and working good habits in to your daily life. The easier those get, the more you can learn and do. Remember, we’re in this together!
Water
Water touches everything we do, eat, and use but it’s not always clear to us exactly how. Start by conserving the water you can actually see with your eyes as you continue educating yourself about the global freshwater crisis.
Energy
Turn off lights and electronics not in use. Use LED bulbs, if available. Start there before upgrading to rooftop thermal solar and photovoltaic systems. All can be a clean and healthy source of power.
Questions To Ponder:
- What does “being sustainable” mean to you?
- What are aspects of your daily living where you could make different choices to encourage sustainability?
- How can you help your residents come to their own definitions of sustainability?
RA360 Outcomes:
RAs and student staff members will be able to:
- Define sustainability.
- Apply principles of sustainability to one’s daily life.
- Promote concepts of sustainability on one’s community and with one’s residents.
More To Explore
RA360 is a set of resources organized around skills, topics and competencies relevant to Resident Advisors and similar related student staff positions in college and university residence halls.
