As our university wraps up its annual Sustainability Week, it's time to take a hard look at our approach to environmental stewardship. While the intentions behind this initiative are undoubtedly good, the execution leaves much to be desired. Our campus community must move beyond superficial displays and embrace meaningful, lasting changes that truly embody the spirit of sustainability.
Throughout the week, we've witnessed a parade of well-intentioned but ultimately counterproductive measures. We had television screens running day and night promoting the use of rechargeable batteries. Yet, the electricity consumed by these displays likely outweighs any potential savings from battery use. "Go Meatless" banners and flyers made from paper will be discarded after a single day's use. Both practices contradict the very message our institution tries to convey. Café staff sporting "Go Meatless" t-shirts for a single shift, epitomizing the fleeting nature of our current sustainability efforts. Short-lived and high-visibility tactics may raise awareness, but at what cost? More importantly, do these actions lead to lasting change?
While our focus is on flashy temporary measures, we neglect effective changes that could make a significant difference. For example, the lights within our building remain turned on 24/7, even when campus is closed. Parts of the building are also over-cooled, wasting unnecessary amounts of energy and creating uncomfortable environments for those within the building. By implementing policies such as turning lights off after hours, and reducing energy usage, we could save substantial amounts of energy. With these measures we can reduce our carbon footprint while making our campus more enjoyable to be in. These actions raise the question: why aren’t we adopting sensible practices?
Instead of relying on short-term campaigns and symbolic gestures, we need to foster a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of campus life. This starts with meaningful dialogue and action. We should organize regular focus groups where students, faculty, and staff can discuss sustainability challenges and propose solutions. Conducting thorough campus-wide surveys would help us assess our community's environmental concerns and gather ideas for improvement. From there, we can develop concrete, measurable goals based on community input, with clear timelines and accountability measures.
Sustainability shouldn't be a one week performance but a year-round commitment. We need to integrate it into our curriculum, research initiatives, and daily operations, making it a core part of our HOYA identity. By shifting our focus from temporary displays to lasting changes, we can create a truly sustainable campus community. It's time to move beyond wearing shirts and distributing flyers but engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to real, impactful change instead. Let's challenge ourselves to be leaders in sustainability, not just for a week, but every day of the year. Our current approach, while well-intentioned, falls short of creating a lasting impact. We have the potential to do so much more. By rethinking our strategies and committing to long-term, substantive changes, we can make a genuine difference in our campus's environmental footprint.
This Sustainability Week should serve as a wake-up call, not a pat on the back. It's an opportunity to critically examine our practices and commit to doing better. As members of this university community, we all have a role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. Let's not settle for symbolic gestures when we have the power to create real, lasting change. Our planet deserves nothing less than our fullest commitment and most thoughtful actions. It's time to turn our good intentions into meaningful results.
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