SHUstainability: How to be more sustainable on the Hill

(GREENSBURG, Pa.) — “Sustainability is important to me because it ensures that we are preserving the planet for future generations. It is also easy to accomplish on an individual level, meaning we can all do our part to lead sustainable lives,” said Allyson Johnson, a junior in the Physician Assistant program. 

Two of the pillars of Seton Hill University are community and service, which aligns with the push for a sustainable campus with the help of staff and students. 

Gabrielle Bubin, a junior global studies major who co-directs the Millenium Campus Network project titled SHUstainable, said SHU should push for reusable products. “Getting rid of the styrofoam containers and changing the styrofoam cups to reusable mugs,” Bubin suggested. The MCN SHUstainable project focuses on promoting sustainability in Greensburg and Pittsburgh. 

Tawni Wilkinson, a sophomore environmental science minor and an MCN member said SHU could implement composting.“A decent amount of food from the dining hall is thrown away, whether it be whole or scraps. Rather than throwing those scraps away, we can compost them to use in other ways, such as in our garden on campus.” 

“A few of my favorite ways I implement sustainability in my everyday life is through using a metal water bottle, thrifting, and opting to walk rather than use a car,” said Johnson, also an MCN member. 

Last year the Cove, a made-to-order dining service, switched from plastic straws to paper straws to reduce plastic intake, which sophomore biochemistry student Maddie Ravotti said is “beneficial for the environment”. 

“With all of the plastic waste that accumulates around the world, it is vital to cut down on our contribution anywhere we can,” Ravotti said.

Written By: Emma Zuder