Sustainability means progress

In early September, Portland State was awarded $25 million, the largest grant in PSU history, to promote sustainability. Yet, can this grant compete with the “campus sustainability leader,” Oregon State? I think it can.

PSU defines sustainability as “meeting the economic, social and environmental needs of the present without compromising the similar needs of future generations.” So, hopefully, with this impressive grant, PSU will be able to prove that its motto, “Let knowledge serve the city,” is totally correct. With this grant, we cannot only be located in one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the country, but we can be a part of it.

Likewise, Oregon State University has been a leader in their environmental programs. Although, by comparison, our number of sustainability programs is greater, OSU has been received much higher recognition, drawing attention from the Sustainable Endowments Institute, which is funded by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

OSU is also the home of the Wave Research Laboratory, which works with the Coastal and Ocean Engineering Program as the leading center for coastal science and is acknowledged as being part of the EPA’s College and University Green Power Challenge. By comparison, PSU is asking the question of how can we promote sustainability and looking for answers, while OSU has already has the insight into solving environmental challenges.

The Miller Grant will afford PSU the opportunity to utilize one of our greatest strengths: our location. Being an urban university, Portland State has the ability to make change and attract students through its large capacity. Developing research, PSU can make change happen right here and can change the university into an environmental powerhouse, going directions never before thought possible.

The most challenging aspect of this grant, however, will be to raise the required matching donations of $25 million. Fortunately, PSU has 10 years to meet this requirement. With the downturn of the economy and people being more reluctant to give away cash, raising another $25 million would be extremely difficult to do right now. With that extra $25 million, PSU would be able to afford to do even greater things to promote sustainability, Portland and the university itself.

My favorite part about receiving a grant like this is that it doesn’t mean just one kind of sustainability and it can affect the students’ everyday experiences at PSU. The other day, for example, I was desperately searching for a recycling bin outside of a building, but could only find a trashcan. With a grant like this, more importance will be placed on the impact we have on our environment and community, while having the monetary backing to make small changes, such as more recycling bins, matter.

And PSU has already started. On Oct. 22, the official Campus Sustainability Day, Ondine Hall’s dining facility made the goal to become a “zero waste facility.” The first step to achieving this was to remove all trays to reduce “energy and water consumption.” Since then, they have actually set goals to increase compostable waste and decrease trash. These steps will make PSU live the image they want to promote.

Looking at OSU’s sustainability program, I still see that they are missing out on the economic and social platforms involved with real sustainability. Being environmentally conscience won’t help change people’s perception, unless it’s followed with explanation. Providing real sustainability by reducing waste will make us spend less, which will help the economy and maintain it for the future generations.

If we can get everyone on board with the idea of sustainability, the future will benefit from the fruits of our labor, by still having the same advantages that we have right now. Portland has a bigger community to work with than Corvallis, making the social implications more impressive.

Right now, OSU’s programs should be a goal that PSU strives for. We’re currently not even listed on The College Sustainability Report Card, which rates the leading 300 universities, where both University of Oregon and OSU are listed.

Advertising our willingness to change and promote sustainability will only encourage our neighbors to do the same. The Miller Grant gives Portland State the resources to provide real change and education. We have many advantages living in Portland. If we can get the entire city on board with sustainability, we can have a huge impact on our community and environment.