What does sustainability mean to you?

Hi all, my name is Elysia Petrone and I am excited to be your 2010-2011 Lakehead University Student Union Sustainability Commissioner.

In taking on this position I asked myself what does sustainability mean to me?

Although there are many ways to define the term, most accepted definitions include an understanding that we must live within the planet’s biophysical carrying capacity, we must provide systems of governance that promote and protect the values we want to live by, and we must provide an adequate standard of living for all. Aspects of sustainability can include resource conservation, habitat preservation, climate change, social equity and economic resiliency.

To me sustainability is a way of being. It is how I strive to live my life. I try to make choices that will have the least amount of negative impact on the environment, for example, biking to school, buying local, gardening and conserving energy and resources when
possible.

I have many ideas and projects that I want to do next year and although the position has been reduced to part time, it will be my goal to advocate for the position to return to its full time status. Alex Boulet, did an amazing job last year as Commissioner and has left big shoes to fill, but I look forward to picking up where he left off and starting new initiatives.

Please feel free to contact me and share some ideas or better yet get involved. We need volunteers and committee members.

Stop by or send me an email sustainbility@lusu.ca.