SUSTAINABILITY VOICES: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABILITY: A PODCAST OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

This audio journalism podcast on sustainability is the result of deep peer reviewed undergraduate research conducted by our very own first-year students. - Dr. Carlton A. Usher

Jenna talked with us about sustainable clothing, replacing those crops needing large amounts of water such as cotton and replacing them with waste products from other foods sources we tend to discard, pineapple shin, old milk, dried leaves, etc.  Jenna focused on eco-friendly clothing.

Brook~ talked with us about “saving scrappy”. Saving owl populations by diminishing chemical exposure such as herbicides and poisons is a salient feature of her audio report.

Neha~ Desertification is a real issue, food manufacturing is a threat when an increase of arid dry lands occurs. Neha tells us about counteractive measures governments are adopting to slow down desertification and decreasing non-irrigation lands   

Carissa ~ Smart homes. Heard f gray water, smart home innovations, the internet of things, energy regulations , and power source alternatives connected to homes in the future.

 Helena Sustainability architecture. Helena also focused on sustainability buildings, her focus was on government policy, use of different building materials, and using appliances to achieve energy efficiency. As she declares, energy efficacy is not as intimidating as it seems.” A little change can go a long way.

 Sabrina ~ sustainability and agriculture. Satisfying society’s food needs without harming the environment in the future. New methods includes hydroponics, biological and integrated pest control, integrated

Bobby ~ Bobby continued research on Aquaponics described by Sabrina. A combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Plants and fish in a self-sustainable system, where there is symbiotic relationship between the two. Additionally, both could be consumed, and the recycling of water makes producing far more efficient than traditional agricultural methods.

Emily~ Water contamination. Emily focused on “hazardous waste”, bio chemical waste, pharmaceutical in the water supply and their long term effects. She also discussed the Clearwater and Clear Air legislation. 

AJ~ Plastic Straws~ More often consumers are refusing plastic bags after learning of their possible negative impact. Drinking straws contributes to waste, Say no to plastic straws; we have alternative wood straw? Paper or metal? Ask Seattle how its working

 Reese~ Saving Nemo, and his friends. Reese focused on endangered species. The need for ecological balance is her central concern. She highlights how we can participate, we are not helpless, she highlights what we can do to achieve a sustainable planet.

Special thanks to the Office of Diversity, Center for Diversity Leadership and Engagement, University College, all Sustainability Fellows, and of course our great first-year undergraduate students conducing this research. Special thanks to Lynn Disbrow, Dean of the University College and Chief Diversity Officer Erik Malewski, Pegah Zamani, all Presidential Commissions and all other interested parties.