What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is both a concept and a life choice.

As a concept it is literally defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987). If we intend to leave our children and grandchildren with the same standard of living we have enjoyed, we must preserve the foundation of that standard of living. We save for college educations, orthodontia, and weddings, but what about saving clean air, water, fuel sources and soil for future generations?

Thus, as a life choice, sustainability means choosing to live in such a way that we are aware of the world around us. This means that we are conscious of not only the financial implications of our decisions, but the societal and environmental impacts as well. As a sustainable community, and as a college, we choose to care about the world around us and preserve it for the future.

How Green Is My College?

Quotes

Jody Boninsegna – “Sustainability...well, I would have to say that beyond the idea of maintaining the current state of our ecosystem, we need to become much more efficient and reduce our footprint. On both a large and small scale, I feel that there are a lot of things that can easily be done to become more sustainable and sometimes the entire concept of sustainability is overcomplicated. We need to recycle more, change out our light bulbs to the energy efficient ones, think before we print an email, compost, carry a coffee mug instead of using a cup from the cafeteria, not use Styrofoam and plastics around campus so much, ride a bike, carpool, walk and educate others. On a larger scale we know what is going one with solar energy, windmills, nuclear fusion and so on. I feel that all of these elements are direct reflection of sustainability.”

Prefers to remain Anonymous – “Being aware of the environment and what we can do as individuals and as a group to “sustain” it and keep it healthy.”

Sue Gordon-Brainard – “I care about the world’s quality of life. I do everything I can to be as sustainable as I am able within my means. Educating others is part of that, as well as striving to provide a healthy environment for us all.”

Carol Bremmer – “Sustainability means leaving the planet in great shape for my sons, their children, and their children’s children.”

Robin Middleton - “[sustainability means] living responsibly and in balance with the needs of the entire planet and its inhabitants. I’m excited about finding simple ways to live more responsibly at JCC and in my home.”

Tips for Green Living

Did you know…?
… Your computer might be asleep, but if there's a light on, it's still using energy. Turn off and unplug your computer, printer, television, radio — any electronic device that you're not using.

… The process of harvesting the raw materials, processing and manufacturing the petroleum-based plastic water bottles and shipping them to market is extremely energy intensive. So, skip the bottled water. Filter your own water and fill up your own reusable bottles for water on-the-go.

… Food grown or produced halfway around the world didn't just appear in the supermarket — it was shipped by plane, boat, truck or rail, and no matter which method of transportation it took, greenhouse gases were emitted along the way. Support your local farmer; pick the apple grown in your state instead of the banana grown in another country.

…Contaminants are tracked into homes on the soles of shoes. Consider becoming a shoe-free household. Clever designs for shoe storage near the front door can keep entries clutter-free and indoor air cleaner at the same time.

… Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes.