Sustainability speaker series: Paving the path to a greener future
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Amidst the continued conversations of our times, Michigan State University Extension’s Sustainability Series emerges as a guiding light, navigating the intricate web of sustainable practices. This “lunch and learn” style speaker series highlights several main themes of sustainability.
MSU Extension specialist, Erica Tobe, Ph.D., kicks off the series on January 9, 2024, with the Inflationary Reduction Act, groundbreaking legislation steering economic measures towards a more sustainable future. This act not only addresses inflation but strategically allocates funds to fortify sustainable energy systems, acknowledging the interconnectedness of economic stability and environmental well-being.
Casting a spotlight on innovative waste management techniques on February 13, 2024, is Megan Alexander, owner of Carter’s Compost in Traverse City, MI. Megan will delve into the world of composting. By utilizing bicycles with trailers, this method transforms the transportation of food scraps from kitchens to nearby composting sites, symbolizing a commitment to change – embracing reduction, reusing, and recycling.
But sustainability isn’t just about managing waste. It’s also about understanding and lessening our ecological footprints. In the “foodprint” session on March 12, 2024, with senior Extension educator, Rob Sirrine, Ph.D., will offer steps for reducing your household’s FoodPrint on the environment by reducing food waste and eating more sustainably.
Recycling, a topic as old as sustainability discussions, takes on a new light in this series on April 9, 2024, with Kerrin O'Brien, executive director of the Michigan Recycling Coalition. It’s not just about sorting bins; it's about transforming waste into opportunity. The conversation here is not just about managing waste, but reshaping our consumption patterns and the way we perceive discarded materials.
Lastly, the series explores sustainable tourism, unraveling the intersection between travel and sustainability on May 14, 2024, with Extension educator Andy Northrop. The focus lies on fostering an environmentally conscious approach in an industry often at odds with nature.
This Sustainability Series isn’t merely a collection of talks; it’s a journey, a roadmap to a future where sustainability is not just an option, but a way of life. It’s a collective commitment to nurture our planet and secure a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Join us in this transformative journey towards a world where sustainability isn’t just a concept, it’s our reality.
Would you like to learn more? Would you like to take action to live more sustainably? If so, then consider attending the Sustainability Speaker Series. This series is offered virtually and will be held monthly the second Tuesday of January-May, 12-1 p.m. ET. For questions, please contact Marie Ruemenapp ruemenap@msu.edu or Bethany Prykucki prykucki@msu.edu.
