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

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

Jenna spoke with us about sustainable clothing, replacing crops that require large amounts of water, such as cotton, with waste products from other food sources that we tend to discard, including pineapple skin, old milk, and dried leaves.  Jenna focused on eco-friendly clothing.

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

Neha~ Desertification is a real issue, and food manufacturing is a threat when an increase of arid dry lands occurs. Neha informs us about the counteractive measures governments are taking to slow down desertification and reduce non-irrigated lands.   

Carissa ~ Smart homes. Heard of 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 sustainable buildings, with a particular emphasis on government policy, the use of various building materials, and the utilization of 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 include hydroponics, biological and integrated pest control, and integrated

Bobby ~ Bobby continued research on Aquaponics, as described by Sabrina. A combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Plants and fish in a self-sustainable system, where there is a 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”, biohazardous waste, pharmaceutical waste 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 offer alternative, eco-friendly wood straws. Paper or metal? Ask Seattle how it’s 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, the Center for Diversity Leadership and Engagement, University College, all Sustainability Fellows, and, of course, our outstanding first-year undergraduate students who conducted this research. Special thanks to Erik Malewski, Pegah Zamani, all Presidential Commissions, and all other interested parties.