Julia Guerrero EDINBURG- October is recognized as National Sustainability Month. It’s as simple as using a reusable straw or recycling a plastic bottle. Taking care of the environment and making better choices for the future are some ways UTRGV is promoting sustainability.
The UTRGV Office for Sustainability held an event to promote resources for sustainable engagement Oct. 5 and 6 in Edinburg and Brownsville. Established in 2009, the Office for Sustainability supports the programs and departments at UTRGV by helping with scholarships, research opportunities and providing support to engage in greener and sustainable practices.
Office for Sustainability Program Manager Jeremy San Miguel says even though it is often only thought of as “green”, social equity, environmental stewardship and economic prosperity are three key points to sustainability.
“Kind of like a reagent, you add it and it’ll change it in some way or form and ideally, sustainability is supposed to serve as a reagent in a positive way,” San Miguel said.
Office for Sustainability Web Developer Yumiko Balotro says Campus Sustainability Day is a way to come together and showcase UTRGV resources for sustainable outlets on campus.
“Yeah, I think sustainability is I’d say a promise to longevity,” Balotro said. “So it’s really being determined and consistent with thinking about the future and thinking how our actions now affect the resources we have in the future.”
Multiple organizations that were part of last week’s events shared information about what they have to offer and ways students can get involved in engaging with sustainability.
Environmental Science sophomore, Ali Ramos was promoting the new Alternative Transportation Alliance Club as a way to promote sustainability in the community.
Ramos said, “It’s basically a club that’s [going to] be working with UTRGV and local government to make it [safer] for pedestrians, walkers, bikers, people with disabilities, basically anybody that does not have a car.”
To find out more information about the Office for Sustainability, visit their website at utrgv.edu/sustainability.
