By Michaela Kapala, Sustainability Project Developer
I first learned about the Center for a Sustainable Future through a guest lecture given by Professor Mike Keen, director of the Center. He briefly spoke to my class about the how the Center was working to create a more sustainable and “green” campus. Since then, I started to acquire a growing interest in the Center and how it was involved with the everyday activity on campus. I began working in the Center at the start of the summer and since then have found my interest in the study of sustainability and green living escalating. I have been working with other students to connect the public with the Center through popular social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Each day as I learn more about sustainability and green living, I find interesting bits of information or facts that I enjoy sharing with the online community of followers. By posting day specific content such as “Meatless Mondays”, “What’s up Wednesdays”, “Thoughtful Thursdays”, and “Savor South Bend Saturdays,” our online community becomes a part of our outreach as they share posts amongst their family and friends.
I have also connected with the offline community through such local organizations as the Unity Gardens, a community garden where neighbors and friends can come and plant, harvest, and enjoy nature. The Gardens also hold classes where students can come out and learn how to garden or keep bees. I have been working with the Unity staff members to organize the annual Run Toward Unity 5k which takes place on the campus of IUSB.
I have also become a part of the Green Office initiative started by Center Assistant Director Krista Bailey. During our biweekly meetings, I discuss with other IUSB staff tasks for each department to complete as they work to achieve different levels. Our goal for this program is to create a more green and sustainable campus by reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
As part of the Center staff, I believe that part of being sustainable is bringing together the local community in ways which will promote the pursuit of a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. In my own life I have begun to change habits and start new ones which will decrease my carbon imprint and help sustain a clean planet a little longer.
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