The earth is important—right? This seems universally agreed upon, no matter politics or religion or lifestyle choices. Without the earth, humanity would cease to exist. Starting April 10, the University of Utah is helping to celebrate the planet. What better way to celebrate than with a party?
The Party on the Plaza was centered around off-campus and on-campus groups whose missions involve the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social equity.
Campus police handed out bike locks for free to any who register their bikes as part of a new initiative called lock it or lose it. It’s quite the catchy title—so long as everyone remains on the “lock it” side of the bargain.
On campus groups included ASUU, Environmental and Sustainability studies, the Sustainability leadership committee, the University of Utah’s chapter of Tree Campus USA, and Urban Ecology and Sustainability Scholars.
The word sustainability as these organizations use it has two meanings. The first is “a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Also according to Webster, sustainability means “a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods.”
Sustainability means ensuring there is the world to live in down the road.
The earth is home and its residents need to take better care of it. No one likes a roommate who never does dishes. The Party on the Plaza was a step in the right direction and a reminder that sustainability can be fun. Plus free stuff, all college kids like free stuff.