Some times I wonder why sustainable initiatives aren’t always put in place, even when I know that they are extra beneficial in areas other than sustainability. All the pieces finally made sense after talking with the grounds department managers: maybe they have misunderstandings or don’t know enough about sustainability. Talking with Greg and Shawn, both with landscaping background, I realized they didn’t know of many sustainable strategies to minimize energy or water use, or the solid difference between organic and non-organic landscaping. Because of some of their hesitancy, I am rather unsure of the 100% accuracy of some of the STARS fiends under landscape management.

It was fascinating discussing this with these men, as I was almost under the impression that these were strategies they were familiar with. This didn’t turn out to be the case, and I was rather surprised. I anticipated more knowledge being spread about sustainable initiatives to operations like grounds due to its ability to maintain itself better and be more cost effective. It was more of an ah-ha moment because I realize now why an increase in sustainable initiatives hasn’t happened: there isn’t enough awareness and understanding.

Sustainability is having difficulty cathcing on in some places because people aren’t taught well enough the importance and benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle and career. This wasn’t the case, obviously, when talking with environmental professor, Pam Morgan, as she is incredibly familiar with the idea of sustainability. But for those who are not so informed on the subject, it can be difficult to rationalize such changes. It is important to encourage spreading awareness about sustainability to help it progress into other areas of the campus.