WHO WE ARE
We are students, brought together by the need to save the planet.
Issues with the environment relate to everything, from economics to politics to social justice. But it doesn't have to be scary and daunting, especially when you're just an student trying to get by. In fact, we believe that anyone, including students, can accomplish a great deal together!
It's super rewarding (also a nice break from the workload) and you can do things like go to conferences and meet some of today's brightest researchers or go to a march and be a part of something impactful or even small things, like turning off the lights when you leave a room and composting.
Sounds pretty fun ? Well you're in luck, because everyone is free to join us. You can come to our events, but if that's not your jam, it's cool, support us on social media instead!
If you're interested in coming to our meetings or just want to drop by and see what we're about, we meeet every Tuesday at 8:15 pm at Wymilwood Lounge in the Goldring Student Center.
THE MEMBERS
Leila
STUDYING: History
HOBBIES: Rollerblading
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: I look forward to learning from others and teaching others what I have learned. I hope that we can continue to provide opportunities for Vic students to stay climate and climate justice conscious, through events, videos and important visuals on campus. There are endless opportunities for this commission, and that excites me!
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: It means a world that is treated in a way that rejects the false conception that what it has to offer, as a liveable home, is endless. It means living in balance, so that if we don't exploit our world, it will be more generous to us than we'd ever expect. It means learning to live within our means. It means freeing ourselves from extreme materialism, that does not in fact bring a sustainable happiness. To me, Sustainability means justice for all walks of life. It means economic justice, food justice, racial justice, and climate justice.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: Compassion would be recognized as the most ideal virtue.
Ben
STUDYING: Global Health + Equity Studies double major, Education and Society minor
HOBBIES: Can pancakes be a hobby?
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: Leila cornered me at the clubs fair.
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: Holding power structures accountable and examining the role privilege plays in responsibility.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD:Capitalism? Colonialism? Heteropatriarchy? That's a tough one.
Sharon
STUDYING: Criminology + Health Studies
HOBBIES: Posting photos, tweeting, eating.
I JOINED THE COMMISSION: To get involved with something that has potential to make huge differences on campus and in the community!! And because of the awesome people!
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: Bringing awareness to what it means to live a sustainable life including the current environment and world, long term effects, and future goals.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: Stopping DJ Khaled from using plastic water bottles 3 times a day.
Brett
STUDYING:
HOBBIES:
I JOINED THE COMMISSION:
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS:
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD:
Anna
STUDYING: Political Science + Equity Studies double major
HOBBIES: I'm extremely passionate about travelling.
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: I wanted to be involved around Vic, and seeing as I am concerned about the environment I thought the Sustainability commission was the perfect organization to be involved with.
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: To do everything in everyday life in a way that is conscious about the environment and the problems that our planets is facing.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: Equity in all aspects for all.
Melissa
STUDYING: Economics major, Spanish + Environmental studies double minor
HOBBIES: Travelling, walking, dancing, and spending time with people I love
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: I was involved with other sustainable and student-run groups on campus, so I knew Vic had a sustainability commissioner but I didn't know how to join it. Leila and I worked together this summer when I was in charge of the community garden at Vic and she motivated to get involved with the sustainability.
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: Making considerate decisions regarding the environment and your lifestyle. It means living your life in a way that respects nature and does not jeopardize its well-being.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: Greed and waste
Cricket
STUDYING:
HOBBIES:
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION:
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS:
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD:
Jenny
STUDYING: Environmental Studies + Anthropology double major
HOBBIES: Hiking, dancing & yoga
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: As one of the green reps for Lower Burwash Residence, I wanted to get more involved with sustainability on campus. I wanted to take part in spreading awareness about environmental issues to get students more informed and engaged. I believe that the best way to take care of the Earth is through the collective effort of passionate people, such as those in this commission.
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: The decision to act on what we need rather than what we want. It is to live a good life without jeopardizing the quality of the life around you. Going forth sustainably means to go forth intellectually, respectfully, and compassionately.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: I want all plastic water bottles to go away.
Monica
Jamil
STUDYING: Philosophy major
HOBBIES: Cooking
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: It's a crucial time to take action!
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: Living by socially and environmentally conscious practices so that all countries and all people, not just a select few, can enjoy a healthier future.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: Our consumerist mentality
Jose
Miranda
STUDYING: English + Philosophy double major
HOBBIES: League of Legends
WHY I JOINED THE COMMISSION: If we do not change the way we operate, our planet is doomed. Vic can have a role to play in alleviating humanity's impact on the earth, and I want to help!
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: Paying attention to humanity's impact, and the ways individuals contribute to global environmental crises, even in small ways.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: I would eliminate free stuff.
Pearl
STUDYING: Psychology + Linguistics double major
HOBBIES: Working out, watching videos, eating
I JOINED THE COMMISSION: I became aware of the issues of sustainability and animal ethics in the food industry and this prompted me to change my lifestyle habits. But I'm not content with just that, the Earth needs everyone to be on board to start healing, so my goal is to reach and teach as many individuals as I can about sustainability.
TO ME, SUSTAINABILITY MEANS: Not being greedy and thinking about the long-term consequences of present actions.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE WORLD: I wish people had a stronger sense of empathy and cared more about the world they lived in.