Problem Pitch Insight Reflection
The University of Cincinnati Sustainability program is one of the foremost sustainability initiatives. They are dedicated to creating a better future for our surrounding community. Their focus is to reduce and repair our current structures to be eco-friendly. The University has 9 LEED certificated building on campus. LEED is the Leadership in Energy and environmental Design Green Building Rating. It is an opportunity for organizations to create or renovate their buildings. As I began my research of the university’s sustainability program prior to our interview with Daniel Hart and Erin LeFever, I contemplated what efforts I have noticed on campus in regard to sustainability. I was able to list a few, trash and recycling in all buildings and the Sustainable Fashion Initiative at the school of DAAP.
I learned in my research that the full-time sustainability staff facilitates the UC Bike Kitchen, UC Garden, and organize city wide cleanups. With this new information, I began to understand the vast reach that our sustainability program has. I realized I knew of all of the above mentioned, however I didn’t realize UC sustainability was behind it. As I heard from Daniel, he explained what our student body means to the program. That strength in numbers can do amazing things for our campus and for the world around us. Environmental sustainability is something that has always been important to me and my upbringing. I have recycled, gardened, and been as waste conscious as I could be, so when I was presented with the opportunity to develop as a citizen scholar, I was pleased to tackle this complex problem with my teammates. I learned that sustainability holds many events and workshops that help motivate and mobilize our mass campus. It is an opportunity to educate, engage, and empower others. By becoming an advocate for change we as students can increase awareness and create an environment of change.
My groupmates had great perspective that gelled very well together. We each support and understand sustainability efforts. We all have a different approach and journey to our understandings which makes our project so much more meaningful and in depth. We have the support we need as a group, but unfortunately our sustainability program can’t grow as large as it wishes because of the lack of staff, funds, and campus awareness. As I progress, I understand the importance sustainability must have in everything. Sustainability needs to be a necessity in everything we do, as a standard not a bonus. Sustainability must be on the forefront of all of our minds. Our sustainability program describes sustainability as each and every person doing their part to build the world, we all want to live in. After the interview I gained great understanding and motivation. I can now dive into how sustainability fits into my everyday life and my future career.