We work to integrate sustainability into Western's culture, academics and student life while utilizing student energies for realization of sustainability initiatives.
We provide a liaison to sustainability initiatives on campuses regionally and nationally, and build connections between Western and the greater Bellingham community.
Our goals for Western include the following:
To develop a unified set of sustainability metrics and indicators with the purpose of building awareness and understanding on campus.
To conduct a baseline assessment of present efforts at Western.
To create a vision and strategic plan that outlines steps needed for Western to lead in sustainable practices using our natural, financial and human resources.
To advise on effective step-by-step implementation so our respective academic programs and operations can become leaders by example through their efforts.
"My definition of sustainability has been changing constantly since I moved to Bellingham, started my coursework in environmental science, and became involved with various groups on campus. I come from a small town that feels very close to nature, where sustainability isn’t something that’s talked about, and there’s this perception that the world is too big for humans to have lasting impacts on the earth. Growing up, sustainability sounded like a buzzword that people who were super passionate about recycling threw around. However, I’ve learned that there’s much more to it than that; there are important economic and social components as well. Now, I’ve come to think of sustainability as more of a descriptor for systems that are built to last, mutually beneficial for all involved, and don’t exploit natural and human resources beyond their capacity to give.
When I was first interested in pursuing environmental science I had a lot of misplaced frustration toward individual consumer choices as the reasons behind environmental degradation. Today, I’m learning more and more about how people’s ways of life are determined by systems of power, individual limitations, and normal process. Some of this realization has come from schoolwork and independent learning, but it has also come from the Community Ambassadors for Sustainability program, in which I have been involved the last two years, as well as the opportunity to help with the development of the Environmental Justice Minor. Through the Sustainability Ambassadors program I’ve worked (to varying degrees of involvement) with the York Community Farm, North West Youth Services’ We Grow Garden, Sustainable Connections, East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, and the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. I spent most of my time at the York Community Farm, where farm director Mary Loquvam applies a strong social justice lens to her work, employing primarily veterans, those who struggle with homelessness, or were recently incarcerated. She provides employment opportunities in a great work environment, teaching practical skills, and offering access to healthy farm-grown foods.
I learned many practical skills and gained knowledge about organic urban agriculture at the York Farm, but I also developed a stronger sense of connection to Bellingham as my new home and learned the value of having a sense of community. This is another important aspect of the Sustainability Ambassadors program. Our interns this year continue to find ways to bring the WWU and broader Bellingham/Whatcom County communities together with meaningful, lasting partnerships. My experience with this program, starting out last year as one of two interns for the pilot and having the opportunity to be “program staff” this year, has inspired me to think differently about what to do with my science degree after graduation. I think I still enjoy the science side of things much more than education or policy etc., but now I intend to find ways to engage in work that has a strong social justice and community health lens."
Western Washington University is paving the way for universities all around the country to transition to renewable energy and we couldn't have done it will out you all!
Western determined that participation in Puget Sound Energy's renewable energy project would not only be cost effective and the responsbile thing to do for the university, but also help the state of Washington move entirely to renewable energy and power up to a sustainable future.
Washington state law requires cyclists obey the rules of the road when they ride on public streets, which includes riding on the right side of the road. This is a safety issue for both those on bicycles and cars.
No tricks, just treats! Come meet Western’s Office of Sustainability in Red Square on Halloween! You can find out about our many programs, and discover how you can make campus more equitable, sustainable, and just. We’ve scared up some donut holes from Rocket Donuts, vegan hot chocolate, and candy to give away, and will be there from noon until 4pm, or whenever the treats run out! Hope to meet you there!
Come join us in Red Square for treats and lean more about sustainability projects on campus.
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