URI Green Thinker

Graduation Year:  Class of 2013
Major:  Wildlife and Conservation Biology; Leadership minor
Hometown:  Westerly, RI

What does sustainability mean to you?
To me sustainability is having the wisdom to use resources in the most efficient way, as well as living without wasting what you already have. The more aware I have become of overconsumption, the more I have done to prevent myself from becoming part of a wasteful cycle.
 

Which URI project or program related to sustainability should we be
the most proud of?
I am most proud of the building designs that were chosen for the CBLS, Wiley, Garrahy, Eddy, and the Hope Commons. I am pleased to know that there was research and thought put into creating the new buildings, as well as the efficiency of the Hope Dining Hall with managing waste from food (the trayless meals mean less uneaten food).
 

How are you involved with campus sustainability at URI?
I am the Vice-President of Student Action for Sustainability, a position I held last year as well. During my time with the group, we have organized light bulb exchanges, recycled at the homecoming football game, as well as various other activities that we may come across. I am also a Civic Engagement Leader for the Environment team and during the year I will be working with the freshmen class cleaning up Rhode Island beaches.

What do you do in your personal life to be green?
In my personal life I am always looking for new ways to be environmentally conscious. Whenever possible, I try to avoid grocery bags, I find new uses for containers that would have otherwise been thrown in the trash, I have cut down on my time for television and showers, and I recycle everything that I am able to. I find myself looking up numbers on bottles to make sure I don’t miss any possible recyclables. I’ve even started to read books that had tips and tricks to greening up my life.