Vox Limax: UCSC Talks About the Weather

This winter has highlighted the consequences of extreme weather events. Through January and February we saw rain-induced landslides cover Highway 17 multiple times and the near-collapse of the Oroville dam. Climate scientists predict that California will see more extremely hot days and an overall temperature increase of 1-2ºC (2-4ºF) over the next 50 years. Northern California is predicted to see more precipitation, but as rain instead of snow (Pan et al., 2010 – DOI 10.1007/s00382-010-0961-5). In all, California is becoming increasingly vulnerable to deadly heatwaves, flooding, and water scarcity.

So this week we ask for your stories:

 How has an extreme weather event, or the consequences of one, impacted your life?

"I got stuck on Highway 17 for seven hours and had to camp out in a turnout." – Amelia (Environmental Studies)

"I live on a houseboat out near Tiburon and it got detached from the dock and we floated out into the bay.  The houseboat is attached to mooring piles.  The piling popped out because the wind and current were so strong.  Because that wasn't holding us, all of our sewage, water, and electricity lines shredded.  Crashed into some other houseboats.  The fire department came out and tried to wrap us around a tree.  I haven't been able to access my house for a week." – Fran (university contractor)

"My grandma has a house in Cagel Canyon. I was staying there and had to evacuate because there was a fire (LA is always on fire). The fire was over the ridge and it was raining ash. My car was covered in ash (it was pretty legit).  I had to pack up all my shit because my grandma was concerned that the house might burn down." – Sarah (Theater Arts)












"I have a house in Bolder Creek. We got a call two weeks ago from our neighbor who was like 'You're deck is falling into Bear Creek.' My dad came down from San Francisco with a circular saw to cut off the deck. It was gone by the time he got there, so we just left and went back home. We hired contractors to come out and discovered that the entire foundation of the house was gone. So now we're paying $50,000 to have the house anchored to the mountain."
 – Sophie (Environmental Studies)

"I ended up getting an internship with CalPIRG so I had to run the pledge drive during the storm... which was fun." – Anonymous

"In the past couple of weeks, the intense rainfall and subsequent landslides on Highway 17 have impacted my ability to get work on time by bus from San Jose to UCSC. I've fortunately been able to work from home on days when the commute was dangerous or significantly longer due to closed lanes and hazardous conditions. I have also seen the community of Highway 17 commuters come together in the face of these challenges by developing an active and supportive Facebook group where people post updates, questions, and information. Many people are turning to carpooling to try and reduce traffic, which from a sustainability and community building perspective is a huge silver lining. It's been interesting to have first-hand experience of how severe weather--made worse by the years-long drought we've had--bring strangers together to form a community. I believe this is one local example of the kind of severe weather we'll be facing in the years to come due to climate change, and I now have a stronger sense of hope that people will be able to come together to support one another when we face these challenges."   – Melissa (Sustainability Office)

UC Santa Cruz Hosts National Climate Change Policy Conference

Last weekend, the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences and the Division of Social Sciences co-hosted "Changing Climate: Acting Now to Secure a Sustainable Future.  This annual conference drew experts from across the country, including Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a distinguished professor of atmospheric and climate sciences at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who gave the keynote at the conference's Friday night kick-off.

Daniel Shugar, CEO of NEXTracker, speaks on the "Engineering Change" panel.

The Saturday session consisted of three panels of presenters: "Engineering Change," "Motivating Change," and "Communicating Change." Each panel was followed by questions from attendees.  Topics discussed includes the role of technology in green engineering, the future of U.S. environmental laws, and an economic forecast for the green energy sector. "Clean coal is an oxymoron. It's over." Said Daniel Shugar, CEO of NEXTracker, a solar panel installer, as he concluded a colorful analogy comparing the coal industry of today to the typewriter industry of yesteryear.

The event concluded with "Climate Change Science and Policy in a President Trump Administration," a discussion moderated by Fred Keely, former state assemblymember and Santa Cruz County treasurer.  The conference was sponsored by the Physical and Biological Sciences and Social Sciences divisions of UC Santa Cruz.  Learn more at the conference's web page.

Sustainability Office to Host Campus Sustainability Plan Student Feedback Workshop

The UC Santa Cruz Sustainability Office has been hard at work producing the 2017-2022 Campus Sustainability Plan. The plan will detail how UCSC will meet its sustainability goals over the next 5 years. Topics covered in the plan include Natural Environment and Infrastructure, Materials management & Food Systems, Climate & Energy, and Leaning & Culture.  This new CSP will build on the successes of previous Campus Sustainability Plans, which have led UCSC to source 84% of its sanitary supplies from sustainable sources and to compost 100% of dining hall food waste.

Shauna Casey, Sustainability Programs Manager, notes the main themes that came out of a brainstorm about Learning & Culture.

To obtain student input, the Sustainability Office has held a series of feedback workshops. These student-centered workshops provide a hands-on opportunity to engage with other students on the campus sustainability issues that are most important to them, and provide direct feedback on the proposed goals and strategies for the next 5-year Campus Sustainability Plan. At these pizza-catered events, students have raised questions and concerns about the impact of P3 and Kresge development, as well as the role of cap & trade in the UC system. Some students voiced concerns about the energy required to move water, erosion in upper campus, and the Long Range Development Plan. "I really like that they're including culture and education now. It's good to see that there's a concern for the human lives affected by environmental issues." Said Jacquelyne Vera, a student who attended a workshop in the fall. The next CSP Student Feedback Workshop will be happening in April. More information coming soon.

Rachel Carson College Earth Week Team Gears Up for Earth Day 2017

Each year, Rachel Carson College hosts "Earth Week," a campuswide series of events coordinated by the Rachel Carson College Earth Week Team. This year, the events will take place April 17-22 and will be centered around the topic of “Standing Together: Taking Action in our Community and Environment.” With this theme, the Rachel Carson College Earth Week Team wants to focus on the importance of integrating social justice into sustainability and environmental issues. Ultimately, it is their goal to promote action and sustainability, through the mission statement that we are stronger when we stand together. 

For more information about upcoming Earth Week programs and events, visit the Earth Week 2017 homepage

If you're interested in participating, please fill out the event and volunteer form

For any additional questions please contact the Earth Week team at: rccearthweek-group[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

For exciting environmental news and updates about Earth Week please follow them on Facebook: UCSC Earth Week Page

March 2017: Internships, Employment, and Volunteering

Internships:

CHES Student Sustainability Advisers 2017 - 2018: Deadline March 3
Colleges, Housing and Educational Services is looking to hire next years' Student Sustainability Advisers! SSA’s collaborate with local staff and supporters around UCSC to affect positive change in residents and local staff behavior. Previous SSA projects have included event planning with programs offices and housing staff, flyers, displays, water saving competition and sustainability survey. 12-hour-per-week commitment. SSA's receive a $1500 rent credit per quarter. SSAs must live in the community they represent. Positions are available in 7 communities. Apply through the campus ERS, ER #7056. For questions, contact Catherine L. Green at calgreen[at]ucsc[dot]edu (83I) 459 - 57I4.

Provost's Sustainability Internship Program: Deadline March 27
The Provost's Sustainability Internship Program (PSI) is looking for students and mentors for the next academic year.  PSI a year-long combination course/internship that helps students develop leadership skills for an environmental career. Students are paired with mentors (who must be campus faculty or staff) who work with them on projects and research that help the campus reach its Campus Sustainability Plan goals. Students receive internship credit for the fall, winter, and spring quarters and a $1500 stipend upon completion of the program in spring quarter.  PSI student applications (deadline: April 28) and PSI mentor applications (deadline: March 27) are available now.  For questions, contact the PSI program at psi[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

The UC Berkeley-11th Hour Food and Farming Journalism Fellowship: Deadline March 15
The UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism is offering ten $10,000 postgraduate Food and Farming Journalism Fellowships. The fellowship presents an opportunity for audio and print journalists to report ambitious stories under the umbrella of food systms, policy, the food industry, food science, technology and culture, farming, agriculture and the environment, supply chains, and public health as it relates to food and farming. Applicants must be available for a workshop May 29-June 2, 2017 at UC Berkeley. Full details available at Berkeley's website. Application requires a CV, two letters of recommendation, a portfolio of published clips, and a one-page story pitch.

CoFed Racial Justice Scholarship: Deadline March 15 
The Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive is offering a racial justice fellowship.  This fellowship provides young people (age 18-30) a $5,000 summer stipend to start or continue their work in advancing racial justice and community ownership in the food system.  Racial justice fellows also receive a full-ride scholarship to CoFed's Summer Co-op Academy.  Application is a 1-2 page word document.  Visit CoFed's website for full details. 

Northern California Botanists Botany Research Scholarship Program: Deadline March 31
Northern California Botanists are accepting applications for their Botany Research Scholarship Program for the 2017-2018 academic year. Northern California Botanists provides competitive botany and plant ecology research scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students attending a college and university. While applicants from around the world are welcome, project proposals should concern Northern California, which NCB roughly defines as anywhere north of the 35th Parallel. Applicants must submit a completed application form, cover letter, and 2-3 page research proposal to ncbotanists[at]gmail[dot]com by March 31st. Full detail available at NCB's website.

20 African-American, Minority and Diversity Summer Internship Programs: Multiple Positions and Deadlines
Our Black Voices has released their list of the top 2017 summer internship programs for African Americans. Listed internships are in a variety of fields and locations. Some positions/sites that may be of interest to our readers include the National Association of Black Journalists and the Congressional Black Caucus.

American Indian Resource Center Intern: Deadline June 16
The American Indian Resource Center is dedicated to supporting the needs of American Indian students and increasing Native visibility on campus by advocating students centered programs, cultural events, and tools for academic success. AIRC student interns gain leadership, facilitation, event planning, research, and project management skills as well as the opportunity to learn more about American Indian culture, history, and current issues. 10 hour-per-week commitment. For more info, please contact AIRC Director Rebecca Rosser at rrosser[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

Employment:

CHES Student Sustainability Adviser Administrative Lead: Deadline March 3
Colleges, Housing and Educational Services is looking to hire an Administrative Lead for their Student Sustainability Adviser program. This position will assist in the coordination of the SSA’s regarding administrative tasks; assist with training and professional development with staff; maintain agenda and meeting minutes. Qualified applicants should have previous on-campus living experience and previous work experience with sustainability issues and/or programming. Apply through the campus ERS.  ER#7534. For questions, contact Catherine L. Green at calgreen[at]ucsc[dot]edu (83I) 459-57I4.

UCSC Men of Color Initiative: Deadline March 3
The Men of Color (MOC) Peer Mentor position is offering four male-identified students the opportunity to develop themselves professionally, organize programs on behalf of the Men of Color (MOC) Mentorship Program and, most importantly, to be a mentor for the Men of Color (MOC) 2017-2018 cohort throughout the academic year. Apply through the UCSC ERS (ER code #8066).  Please include a cover letter and resume. For questions, please contact Malik Douglas at mdougla1mdougala1[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Bicycle Valet Corral Supervisor: Open Until Filled
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) is looking to hire a Bicycle Valet Corral Supervisor to manage bicycle parking for contracted events. The Corral Supervisor has full responsibility for security of bicycles, supervision of bicycle parking volunteers, and solving problems as they arise. Qualified applicants should be able to lift 50 pounds, and have access to a car and a cellphone. Full details available on the coalition's website. To apply, send a compelling cover letter and resume (PDF format) to jobs[at]bikesiliconvalley[dot]org. Please include “Bicycle Valet Corral Supervisor Candidate, [YOUR NAME]” in the subject line.

Portland Community College Sustainability Analyst: Open Until Filled
Portland Community College is seeking an enthusiastic, analytically-minded individual to join the their sustainability team. Responsibilities include performing statistical analysis of PCC's greenhouse gas emissions, writing environmental impact reports, and supporting outreach efforts. Qualified applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies/science, engineering, or mathematics and experience in research and statistical analysis. Full details available through PCC's job-posting site.

University of Pennsylvania Sustainability Coordinator: Open Until Filled
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is looking to hire a sustainability coordinator.  Responsibilities include managing programs and outreach initiatives, working with faculty and student staff, and running the annual ReThink your Footprint waste minimization and awareness campaign. Qualified applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies / Science, Management, Earth Science or Planning and at least 2 years of experience. Full details and application are available on Penn's job-posting site.


Hobart and William Smith Colleges Director of Sustainability: Open Until Filled
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, New York) is looking to hire a visionary leader and organizational strategist for their sustainability activities. Responsibilities include leading the Climate Task Force, completing an updated greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and managing the Sustainability Office. Qualified Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Full details avaliable at HWS' job-posting site.

Volunteering:

UCSC Farm Volunteer Docent Training: Thursdays, March 9 - April 27
The UCSC Farm is seeking new docents.  Docents, who lead tours of the UCSC farm, must complete a seven-session series of seminars scheduled for Thursdays from March 9-April 27.  During the training sessions, participants will learn about organic farming and gardening practices, the history of agriculture at UCSC, and the research and education work of UCSC’s Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS), which manages the Farm & Garden programs and facilities. There is no pre-requisite to become a docent. Cost is $25. For more details and to arrange for parking, please contact Melissa Betrone at (83I) 459–377O, or mbetrone[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

Quail Hollow Ranch Habitat Restoration: March 4, 10am - 1pm
Join the California Native Plant Society in restoring Quail Hollow Ranch County Park near Felton!  No prior work experience nor RSVP necessary. CNPS welcomes individual volunteers from 8 to 80 years, as well as special group projects. Wear comfortable layered clothing, bring something to drink, and lots of enthusiasm! Event will occur rain or shine. Tools are provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves. For questions, contact Linda Brodman at redwdrn[at]pacbell[dot]net, (83I) 462 - 4O4I.

Salinas River State Park Beach Clean-up: March 11, 10am-Noon
Join the volunteers of Environteers and Save Our Shores for their monthly public beach cleanup at Salinas River State Beach. The check-in location will be in the main parking area just south of the Moss Landing Harbor off Sandholt Rd. Individual and small group volunteers are welcome. Save Our Shores will provide all necessary supplies, although they encourage volunteers to bring their own reusable buckets, gloves, and water bottles. Clean-up will happen rain or shine! Please direct questions to cleanup[at]saveourshores[dot]org. Visit the Environteers webpage for more information and volunteer opportunities!

March 2017: Contests & Funding

Earth Optimism Student Video Competition: Deadline March 3
The Smithsonian Institution invites undergraduate and graduate students to share a success story that involves them personally or highlights a story that needs to be told through a compelling two-minute video. The theme of the competition is Conservation Success. The student with the best video, as selected by a panel of judges, will receive $1,000. Up to three winners will receive funding to attend the three-day Earth Optimism Summit in Washington, D.C., April 21-23. To find more information about this opportunity, please visit their website.

Call for Artists by Fossil Free UC Santa Cruz 

Fossil Free UC Santa Cruz, the student run campaign for the UC's fossil fuel divestment, is hosting an Art and Music Show on March 11 and we are looking for submissions. We would love to display your visual art, poetry, music, stories, or anything else creative that relates to environmental and social justice, climate hope, healing and solidarity. The location for the event is to be announced.
To submit art or to ask any questions, please email us at fossilfreeucsc@gmail.com
Also, all are welcome at our Friday meetings at 5:15 in McHenry room 2359

Green Gigawatt Partnership : Deadline March 17 
The Green Gigawatt Partnership is offering cost-free support for up to five campuses to develop and implement on-campus (or near campus) solar projects. Support will include site screening, stakeholder education, RFP development and support, and contract negotiation. If you would like more information about this opportunity, please visit their website.

Local Food Promotion Program: Deadline March 27
LFPP offers grant funds with a 25% match to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, by providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to Local and Regional Food Businesses. Eligible applicants may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products. Find more information by visiting the website.

Farmers Market Promotion Program: Deadline March 27
The goals of FMPP grants are to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations. Eligible applicants include agricultural businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and more. Find more information by visiting the website.

The Witnessing Change Video Competition: Deadline May 1
The Witnessing Change Video Competition invites student documentarians to record the impacts of climate change happening in their own communities and to use their work to inform the public. The videos should highlight the emotional and financial costs of climate change. Due to additional grant support, the fee for the 2016/2017 competition has been waived for all applicants. To find more information about this opportunity, please visit their website.

AASHE Sustainability Awards Submissions: Due May 12 
The annual Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Awards recognize sustainability achievements, research advancements and student leadership. By raising the visibility of high-impact sustainability projects and pioneering research, the awards program helps to disseminate innovations and inspire continued progress toward sustainability. Submissions are due by May 12 to be considered for one of 10 awards, to be given at the 2017 AASHE Conference & Expo.

2017 International Essay Contest for Young People: Deadline June 15
Students are invited to submit a 700-word essay based on the theme Learning from Nature. The essay should focus on what we learn from nature and how we can make use of that learning for the future. Organized by the Goi Peace Foundation, the deadline to enter the contest is June 15.

March 2017: Classes, Trainings, and Community

Transcommunality & Coalition Building Talk: Thursday, March 2 from 12-2 pm
UCSC Kresge College's Common Ground Center is hosting an event with John Brown Childs on the topic of peacemaking and transcommunality. His talk will discuss the relevance of the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace for building a thriving, just and sustainable future. This law of peace was the constitution and guiding way of the Iroqouis Nation that outlined ways to maintain peace and unity. Check out their Facebook page. This talk is happening on Thursday March 2, from 12-2 pm at the Kresge Seminar Room 159.
 
Unity in Resistance: Understanding Standing Rock: Friday, March 3 from 4-6:30 pm
People of Color Sustainability Collective, American Indian Resource Center, and Colleges Nine & Ten Co-Curricular Office present Unity in Resistance to learn about the efforts of the Standing Rock Water Protectors to block the Dakota Access Pipeline in the face of the new presidential executive orders. Nick Estes, doctoral candidate in American Studies at the University of New Mexico, is the keynote speaker to discuss #NoDAPL in its historical context. Following the keynote and a presentation by Lakota People's Law Project, there will be an opportunity to share a meal in community, learn more about local efforts, and engage in dialogue. This event takes place on March 3, 2017 from 4-6:30 pm at the Colleges 9&10 Multipurpose Room. Learn more.

Hummingbird Day at the Arboretum: March 4 from 10-4
Hummingbird Day is the central coast’s premier family-oriented educational event celebrating one of nature’s vibrant aerial acrobats, the Hummingbird. During the event, nature lovers of all ages will see and learn about these amazing birds and the gardens that host and support them. Guests will have plenty of opportunities to watch and hear hummingbird courtship shenanigans as well as participate in a variety of activities focused on these amazing creatures. $10 Public, $5 Members, Free to UCSC Students and Children under 12. Find out more about planned activities on the Arboretum website.

Fossil Free UC Santa Cruz Art and Music Show on March 11 seeking submissions
The student run campaign for the UC's fossil fuel divestment is hosting an Art and Music Show on March 11 and they are looking for submissions. They would love to display your visual art, poetry, music, stories, or anything else creative that relates to environmental and social justice, climate hope, healing and solidarity. The location for the event is to be announced. To submit art or to ask any questions, please email fossilfreeucsc[at]gmail[dot]com.  All are welcome to attend their Friday meetings at 5:15 in McHenry room 2359.

Critical Studies on Food Systems and Sustainability Program in Italy, Vietnam and Japan: Applications due March 15
Gustolab International, in collaboration with University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of Illinois, has designed and created a critical studies on food systems and sustainability program for Summer 2017. Students can earn credits through a variety of courses. The original program takes students on a 5-week full immersion program in Rome and has been expanded to include courses in Japan and Vietnam. The application deadline has been extended to March 15, 2017. Find out more at the Gustolab International website or contact them at info[at]gustolab[dot]com.

Call for Submissions: In Celebration of Black Life at UCSC, submissions due Friday, March 24
Alumni Event The Black Experience Team will be hosting the first annual In Celebration of Black Life event over Alumni Weekend. They are seeking to collect memories from present and past Black students, faculty, and staff in order to create a 'memory space'. The goal of the 'memory space' is to remember the various ways UCSC's Black community has and continues to affirm its place and presence on our campus. Check out their event on Facebook. Submissions are due on March 24.

Re-Volv Solar Ambassador Fellowship Application due April 7th
The Solar Ambassador Program is a fellowship for one academic year that gives college students the opportunity to spearhead a solar project in their community using RE-volv's innovative solar financing model. They are looking for creative, passionate, and resourceful college students who are eager to spread solar across the country. Round 2 deadline is on April 7, 2017. Find out more at their website.

Earth Week 2017, Standing Together: Taking Action in our Community and Environment from April 17-22
Earth Week is a campuswide event, coordinated by the Rachel Carson College Earth Week Team. Earth Week 2017 from April 17-22, focuses on the importance of integrating social justice into sustainability and environmental issues. Ultimately, their goal is to promote action and sustainability, through the mission statement that we are stronger when we stand together. For more information about upcoming Earth Week programs and events: Earth Week 2017 homepage. If interested in participating, please fill out the event and volunteer form. For any additional questions please contact the Earth Week team at: rccearthweek-group@ucsc.edu. For exciting environmental news and updates about Earth Week please follow them on Facebook.

Enough: 10th Annual Queer and Asian Conference: April 28-30
This year's theme for QACON17 is Enough. Because "Enough is enough." Enough of the rampant racism, sexism, xenophobia, queerphobia, ableism, and classism that has led to the resurgence of white supremacy and cisheteropatriarchy and their continued roles in this country's most powerful political institutions. This a free event happening on UC Berkeley campus from April 28-30th. Find out about registration and housing or general information on their website. For more information, contact qaconference[at]gmail[dot]com.

March 2017: Global Sustainability

Sustainability looks different depending on your culture and country. While California has been a leader in the conservation movement, much can be learned from other countries conservation efforts. Here's some examples of sustainability around the world: (find out more on this article about sustainable countries)

In Iceland, 100% of electricity production and house heating is generated by domestic renewable energy, specifically hydroelectric power from rivers and geothermal reserves. Plus, they've diversified their farming to include greenhouse agriculture so that they can produce their own tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, instead of importing them from foreign markets.

Costa Rica is the first government in the world to set a goal of carbon-neutrality by 2021! On top of this amazing feat, Costa Rica has world-renowned rainforest conservation programs and 25% of its land is designated as protected areas (Nature Conservatory).

Sweden is also considered a very eco-friendly country. The government has set a goal of eliminating the use of fossil fuels by 2020. When a employee of the Sustainability Office traveled to Stockholm last summer, she noted the high variety of recycling bins on the street that far surpassed that of California.

The Ghana Permaculture Institute, located in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana, is working towards eradicating poverty through permaculture. They host workshops for farmers across West Africa in a variety of topics including ecovillage network design, permaculture, mushroom cultivation, moringa cultivation and more! Check out their website and see how you can learn from their experience, subscribe to their newsletter and get involved!

In Japan, everyone of all genders and ages carries a hand towel. You won't find paper towels or hand driers anywhere. Hand towels have even become collectables. Find out more in this article from We Hate to Waste.com

One mold does not fit all. The Earth is a place of diversity, and the conservation movement should mirror that diversity in its participants, campaigns, and activities. It is important for us to learn about conservation efforts around the world in order to diversify our domestic and international efforts.

CHES SSA Poster 2017 - 2018

March 2017 Sustainability Profile: Angela Duong

Name:
Angela Duong

Title:
Zero Waste Team Coordinator

College Affiliation:
Crown

Major:
Environmental Studies with a double minor in Legal and Sustainability Studies

What does "sustainability" mean to you?
Sustainability means the world to me! Although there are official definitions for sustainability, I believe sustainability has many definitions. It can mean using a reusable water bottle or saving plastic containers for knick knack storage and snacks. Sustainability is a diverse term that can span across different spectrums of of culture, perspective and daily actions. By committing myself to sustainability, I have learned so much about reducing, reusing, refusing and conserving my actions and choices to more limited and sustainable choices. I believe sustainability can be more than economic choices; it can be simple behavioral changes or understanding the impact of our choices on the environment!

What projects are you working on?
Currently, I am working on creating more awareness for zero waste on our campus. As the Zero Waste Team Coordinator, I manage a team of five dedicated individuals towards the “Zero Waste by 2020” goal. I work with campus stakeholders to effectively communicate our commitment towards zero waste by supporting Zero Waste Events on and off campus, coordinating with student organizations or staff/faculty about making their organizations and departments more zero waste and creating material for the campus on becoming more zero waste. I would consider myself to be a great student resource for zero waste and am always willing to chat or answer any questions related to waste.

How does sustainability relate to your role at UCSC?
Sustainability relates to my role at UC Santa Cruz in my day to day life. I made the decision to major in Environmental Studies with a double minor in Legal and Sustainability Studies due to my passion for environmental policy and its importance in setting the stage for environmental regulations and legislations in our political world. My greater passion is within waste management and resource reclaim. I believe more focus needs to be on the where and how derived materials are extracted for the products we use rather than the eventual recyclability. 

How do you practice sustainability in your daily life?
I always carry around my love for reusables! My backpack holds my reusable water bottle, reusable coffee cup and sleeve, reusable cloth napkin, a glass straw, my spoon fork knife, reusable sandwich bags and tupperware for snacks. I am conscious of my economic choices and what I consume.  

Have you had a favorite sustainability moment at UCSC?
Inter-org is the best time ever. Inter-org is a place where sustainabilities are made! I love Inter-org because I met my best friends there and I have never been to a retreat where I had opened my perspectives so much than Inter-org!

Favorite Green Tip?
BYOE- Bring your own everything!

Each month, our newsletter features a person or group on campus that is working toward a more sustainable world. If you know of a person or group on campus that you think we should profile, or if you would like to be profiled, please send us an email.