Environmental Literacy
Pursuing environmental literacy offers the opportunity to gain insight into the complex relationship between ourselves as humans and the natural world we depend on for our sustenance. This understanding touches on everything from ecology to economics, social justice to sustainable design, allowing individuals to make informed, responsible choices in their daily lives. This literacy is also increasingly necessary across professional disciplines, as a wide range of fields employ the language of sustainability, green development, and resource conservation.
Environmental Literacy Certificate of Achievement
Students, staff, and faculty can earn an Environmental Literacy Certificate of Achievement* by attending a variety of programs offered by the Office of Sustainability. In order to earn the certificate, participants must attend 4 lectures, 4 films, 4 small group dinner discussions, 4 volunteer events, and 4 other events in any of the categories, for a total of 20 events. Once a participant has attended 20 events, s/he will be asked to submit a short essay reflecting upon the experience. In return, participants will receive a certificate signed by President Ono and will be listed on this website. An online registration portal will be created soon.
The small group dinner discussion will begin in Fall 2013. Participants must sign up in advance and commit to attending at least four of a series of seven discussions that will occur during the semester. The series will utilize the Choices for Sustainable Living discussion course created by the Northwest Earth Institute. Copies of the discussion material are available on reserve at the Langsam Library, DAAP library, and GeoPhysMath library circulation desks.
Spring 2013 Qualifying Events
| Date | Event Title | Event Type | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | Green Roofs in Cincinnati | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 1/28 | Colony | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/4 | Objectified | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/11 | Split Estate | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/13 | Hydraulic Fracturing | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/18 | A Small Act | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/25 | Burning in the Sun | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/4 | City Dark | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/11 | Fresh | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/13 | Sustainable Food Practices | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/25 | Deep Down | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/1 | Design e2 | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/8 | Liquid Assets | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/10 | Sustainable Societies | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/15 | If a Tree Falls | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
*This is a non-credit certificate and will not be displayed on transcripts.
Environmental Literacy Staff Trainings
In addition to this new certificate program for students, we have started small group trainings with staff members. These training sessions meet once a month, and after 12 sessions, participating staff members will also earn an Environmental Literacy Certificate of Achievement. A group of supervisors and managers from the Housekeeping Department is the first to participate. Sessions started in September 2012 and will continue with this group through August 2013. The list of topics covered in these sessions will be provided soon.
Interested in having your department participate in the next training series? Contact Mary Beth McGew.