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The Nine Elements of a Sustainable Culture

Mitch Thomashow

  • President, Unity College

It is crucial that in uncertain economic times, we reiterate our commitment to sustainable approaches to all aspects of our lives. Broadly conceived, a sustainable culture for a college or university involves infrastructure, community, and learning. The infrastructure challenge involves (1) energy, (2) food, and (3) materials. The community challenge involves (4) governance, (5) investment, and (6) wellness. The learning challenge embodies (7) curriculum, (8) aesthetics, and (9) interpretation. The purpose of these guidelines is to open a discussion regarding the whole system of a sustainable culture.

Friday, March 6, 2009