To kick off the Office of Sustainability’s newest project, we’d like to introduce you to our first two Sustainability Champions: Jennifer Parker and Mike Wasserman! Every two weeks, we will be revealing two more champions, so please visit the page and keep your eyes out in Horizon for the newest pair. Help us give a big thanks to these eco-friendly folks! And let them inspire you to become more sustainable.
Jennifer Parker, Associate Director of Annual and Individual Giving, Office of Advancement: You strive to incorporate sustainable living practices into your work, social, and family life at every opportunity. When your son was born, you made the switch to homemade cleaning products that use more natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and essential oils instead of bleach. As an alternative to plastic food storage containers, you’ve started keeping glass jars from tomato sauce and other products, which are not only more eco-friendly than plastic but allow you to buy bulk items instead of brand new boxes of things with lots of unnecessary packaging. During the 2014 Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign, you donated a substantial portion of your funds to Student for Sustainability, a move that will support sustainability initiatives across campus. Thank you for everything that you do!
Mike Wasserman, Professor of Environmental Science & Policy: You’ve proven that you’re ecofriendly both personally and professionally. You and your family chose a home that relies entirely on rainwater instead of a city water supply, ensuring that you use only what you receive and that you can keep a close eye on your water use. With thick, stucco walls and very few west or east-facing windows, the home doesn’t take much AC to stay cool in the summer. Using waste water to care for the lawn and purchasing organic and local food further demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. As a professor of Environmental Science & Policy, you focus on a number of environmental issues, including climate change, bushmeat hunting of endangered species, effects of pesticides on human and wildlife health, and water scarcity and quality issues. Thank you for setting an example at St. Ed’s and beyond!