The Basics

Sustainability. This is a word we’ve heard a lot in our ENG 308 class and one that looms over our heads every day. I hear more and more people say “live a more sustainable lifestyle!” but really, what does it mean? And what does it mean for a college student living on a fixed budget?

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) , sustainability is reflected by public and private policy perspectives…

“A public policy perspective would define sustainability as the satisfaction of basic economic, social, and security needs now and in the future without undermining the natural resource base and environmental quality on which life depends. From a business perspective, the goal of sustainability is to increase long-term shareholder and social value, while decreasing industry’s use of materials and reducing negative impacts on the environment.” (EPA)

In a nut-shell, living your life in a way that does not hurt the environment and does not uselessly use up our natural resources; or trying to live a simpler life!

Our guest speaker, Dave, from PrairiErth Farms explained sustainability, concerning food systems, like so…

“1. Your food system must not consume more energy than it creates in the production and processing.

2. The food system must not be dependent on any non-renewable energy source

3. It must not degrade the environment.”

Sounds simple enough, right? Well…not so much. For a college student like myself, I rely on the every day, non-sustainable lifestyle that I’ve grown up on. I buy my groceries at Walmart, I LOVE fast food, and I keep my fan on…all night.

I’m going to try to change this, though. Although I’m not completely sold on all of the facts of sustainability and the benefits of simply buying locally, I’m all for helping out mother earth and making her a happier and healthier place!

Sustainability tip of the day: Support local foods and goods! If you’re in the Bloomington/Normal area, be sure to hit up the Farmer’s Market in downtown Bloomington every Saturday starting May 14th.

Have a wonderful night!

-Julia