“Going green” is no longer just an initiative, but a legitimate trend. Similar to certain brands of clothes, popular bands and hairstyles, the idea of being environmentally aware is the latest fashion.
I have to admit: This trend sometimes leaves me skeptical.
Everywhere you turn, there seem to be new products marketed as eco-friendly. From notebooks to water bottles, t-shirts to cleaning supplies, every company is creating new, green products to sell. But is this tactic actually improving the environment? Or is it simply a clever marketing technique allowing companies to profit from the trend of environmental awareness?
This question led me to consider how genuine ASU’s sustainability efforts are. Is environmental awareness really being promoted, or is our school just succumbing to the latest trend?
When I learned about what ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability (GIOS) has accomplished, I was nothing short of impressed. I know that ASU prides itself on being globally aware and innovative, but the University projects are truly remarkable.
According to sustainability.asu.edu, a multitude of global sustainability-focused projects are currently underway. One project particularly interesting to me is the Arizona Hydrological Information System (AHIS).
The Arizona Water Institute, a consortium of Arizona’s universities, states on its website, “AHIS provides a comprehensive framework for knowledge management and information discovery using data related to physiographic surveys, hydrologic observations and water resources monitoring and assessment throughout the state of Arizona.”
This project specifically is of great importance to sustaining Arizona. With water scarcity a prominent issue, this research will gather the data needed to make informed decisions on water usage.
The GIOS website also discusses some efforts ASU has made toward becoming more eco-friendly. These include methods of composting and recycling, as well as various other practices. Even junk mail is taken into consideration.
It says, “ASU Mail Services has partnered with Ecological Mail Coalition to help reduce each department’s junk mail, including catalogs, magazines, and other advertising mail for employees who are no longer in a department.”
Student groups throughout the four ASU campuses also are making a positive difference for the environment’s stability. Students of Arizona Network for Sustainability (SANS) is a network of student organizations working to create a model of sustainability in Arizona.
ASU’s Green Team is a student volunteer group managed by the Center for Sustainability.
According to the Center for Sustainability website, the Green Team is a “student-run organization that works to support student sustainability initiatives on the ASU campuses.”
ASU continues to take the lead in terms of innovative plans for the future. Not only are ideas created at our University, but they are put into action by the students themselves. In a world full of empty promises and questionable claims, it is comforting to see some authenticity.
You may still second-guess what your water bottle claims to do, but you never have to second-guess your school.
Contact Isabelle at inovak@asu.edu
