Sustainability 101: Principles & Practices for Student Affairs Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD  Associate Professor of Sociology Successful Communities Collaborative, Director

Sustainability 101 Student Affairs plays a critical role in both developing sustainability-minded students and in reshaping the institutional culture to foster more pro- environmental behaviors by all campus community members. At the completion of this session, participants will be able to: define sustainability, use the triple bottom line to make decisions, and plan a zero waste event. 

What is sustainability?

Planet People Profits So, what the bleep is it? *Interconnectedness, systems thinking, relationships *7th generation thinking *Ecopocentric *Conservation, restoration, preservation *Flourishing, quality of life

WHAT IS A ZERO WASTE EVENT? One that produces no trash that goes to the landfill. Everything is recycled or composted.

Why run a zero waste event? Reduce our carbon footprint and support cleaner air.

How does one run a zero waste event? Planning! Use recyclable or compostable or reusable materials. Request materials from Catering Serve drinks in a pitcher/bubbler with compostable cups Request all items be served in bulk rather than individual packages.

Training Event staff and volunteers Signage for attendees Clear bags, or no bags at all, for recycling Paper bag for composting

What can I compost? Where can I compost?

Avoid it – host experiences – photo booths, meals, movie screenings, repair stations, etc.  Upcycle/reuse - consider options that don't require buying new such as hosting DIY activities and clothing swaps Useful and ethical – if you must purchase new, consider products that students will actually use, are durable, and come from trusted ethical sources. 

How do we measure success?

Questions? Thank you!