Sustainability on my Alma Mater's campus Pt.1 of flashback series

So since I got my new computer there are lots of files that I thought I had saved on my USB drive, but I guess I had actually saved them on my old computer...sadness.. Anyways, I say all of that to say, that I have been sifting through the past 4 years of my life (by the means of my USB drive), I have found lots of interesting stuff. I figured, I'll just make a couple posts about them. Mostly they are papers and assignments that I had to do for class, that I realized have really impacted me.

First I came across this advocacy letter that I wrote to the administration. I honestly don't remember if it was an actual assignment or if it was me being overzealous. Well it has to do with sustainability, which I have been discussing a bit... So just for kicks and giggles (as my Optics prof says)..

12/14/06

Dear Emory Campus Administrator,

As part of an Anthropology 202: Concepts and Methods course that I am currently enrolled in, I had the privilege of conducting an ethnography project on Sustainability on Emory’s campus. As you are probably well informed, President Wagner formed a Sustainability Committee in the spring of 2005, in order to address the issues of environmental and economic issues on Emory’s campus.

Sustainability is an attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. A few examples of the current goals are to restore forested lands, establish a university farmers market, and to mark the campus with inviting spaces and programs that encourage walking, biking, and other transportation alternatives to automobiles. There are many more goals that the Sustainability Committee has outlined to improve conditions on Emory’s campus.

The reason it is very important for administration to market these changes to students is that many students on campus find these issues to be very important as well. There are currently many student groups such as Student Environmental Action Coaltion, that work towards alleviating many of the environmental and sustainability problems.

It is pertinent that more students become involved with all of the sustainability issues on campus. We as students feel that it is the administration’s responsibility to inform the college of these issues. It is important that students not only are aware of what is occurring, but given the chance to include some of their input. There are two ways that this can be achieved. The first is to add students to the Sustainability Committee. Currently, there are nine members, which are comprised of faculty and staff. If there were students on the Committee it will add a diversity of opinion. Finally, the addition of a Learnlink conference on sustainability will help the Emory community become informed of the updated initiatives quickly.

The Sustainability Ethnography group was divided into three specific groups of food, recycling, and transportation. After many observations, interviews, and surveys all of three groups concluded that students are unaware of the initiatives and resources on campus. For example, the current Emory Recycles program is very thorough, and the Cliff system has made many fuel-efficient changes. If more students were informed, these programs will be adequately utilized. Overall, I must commend the Emory administration on the many initiatives and programs that you have developed. With a few changes, students at Emory can help the Sustainability Vision of Emory become a reality.

Sincerely,

VanB (Well I didn't sign it this, I signed it my full name...lol.)

Until Next Time...