UTD Eco Reps

The 5 R’s

Many of us probably have heard about the 3 Rs from a young age. In elementary school, you’re taught the framework ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. These terms were first popularized in the late 1970s followed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The goal of this act was for theContinue reading “The 5 R’s”

Remote Volunteering

With the extended quarantine and the uncertain nature of this summer, a lot of once easily-accessible volunteer opportunities and hours are now gone. And in a time of crisis, the demand for help and benefit volunteerism can provide has only risen. Remote volunteerism has been an option for years, but now, when many people cannotContinue reading “Remote Volunteering”

Leave No Trace

“Leave only footprints, take only photos” As we near the summer, people are going to be spending more time outdoors, appreciating nature and the beauty of flora and fauna. People enjoying nature is an amazing thing, but if we aren’t aware of how our actions affect our environment, we can have unintentional effects while hiking,Continue reading “Leave No Trace”

The Human Side of Sustainability

By now, many people have heard what has happened to the canals in Venice in wake of the COVID-19 quarantine. The waters have become clear from lack of pollution and people, and according to many online sources, wildlife such as swans and even dolphins. Smaller stories, of animals such as monkeys, horses, and elephants wanderingContinue reading “The Human Side of Sustainability”

Social Distancing, Not Nature Distancing

Connecting with nature in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Saad Omer, a professor of infectious diseases at Yale School of Medicine, has encouraged people to continue exercising outside in wake of the coronavirus outbreak. He states: “Social distancing doesn’t mean nature distancing. Go out, as long as you have distance,” in a March 18Continue reading “Social Distancing, Not Nature Distancing”

Coronavirus: A few things that stifled America

On March 4th, 2020, psychology and political scientist Philip E. Tetlock retweeted a concise but powerful contrast of two predominant perspectives on the coronavirus pandemic: “base-rate” thinking and “growth” thinking. Base-rate thinking is more experiential; it assesses a situation based on historical outcomes. Thinkers relying on this perspective predominantly assumed the coronavirus as not muchContinue reading “Coronavirus: A few things that stifled America”

Sustainable Self-Care Ideas

With everything that is going on right now, many of us are having to stay in at home and some of us, we feel anxiety and stress more than others. I know mental health can definitely take a hit during this time, so if you’re feeling a lot of worry about the current situation, rememberContinue reading “Sustainable Self-Care Ideas”

Green Reads

With the recent measures put in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19, everyone is going to be spending a little more time inside. It is important that during these times, we keep ourselves engaged and looking to the future. Reading books that focus on sustainability is a great way to keep our mindsContinue reading “Green Reads”

My Valentine? The Earth.

Do you like Mother Earth? What about… Like, like? Hello Sustainability Blog! My name is Paulina Hruskoci, I just recently came on board as an Eco Rep here at the UTD Office of Sustainability. I am super passionate about the impact human life has on the environment, involving issues such as urban development, waste management,Continue reading “My Valentine? The Earth.”

Why Consumer Viewpoints & Perceived Value Matters

So, you like the environment? So, you care for sustainability? You care for turtles & trees, turning the lights off when they’re not in use, stopping climate change and the dearth of biodiversity loss that epitomizes the ongoing sixth mass extinction? So what? Why should I care? That’s the big question… “Why should I care?”Continue reading “Why Consumer Viewpoints & Perceived Value Matters”