Month: November 2024

Ever since I was a small kid I can remember going thrifting with my parents. The vibrant clothes, the massive shoes, and the strange and miscolored furniture, I can still remember it so clearly. While I wasn’t always the most enthusiastic about staying at the local Goodwill for hours at a time, it’s something I now look back on with a smile. Even to this day it still feels like a treasure hunt every time I walk into a second-hand apparel store, a feeling that has never gone away since I first started thrifting.

 

 

 

Thrifted yet fashionable clothes from my childhood

 

 

 

 

Living in the Greenbelt housing has really opened my eyes to how thrifting and overall recycling items can be highly beneficial to living a sustainable lifestyle. My closet consists of about 90% thrifted clothes, which saves me money and allows me to explore many different styles that I never would have found otherwise. Recently some of my fellow cabin members and I have been working on a free store that essentially has the same concept as a thrift store, except for the fact that everything is free. This project has reignited my passion for thrifting and recycling clothes, and I hope to foster a community built upon repurposing the things we no longer want. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure after all.

Thrifting not only saves you money, but it also helps save the environment. You can almost hear the money rolling in. According to roundup.org, over 100 billion garments are made every year, and on top of this over 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills. It may be easy to blame the fashion industry for all of the excess clothing being produced, but it’s also important for us as consumers to take ownership of our fault in it as well. Consumers on average own 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago, but each item is only worn 50% as often as we used to. This excessive consumerism and overproduction has long-lasting effects on the environment around us, as many of these garments contain fossil-fuel heavy synthetic garments (plastic, polyester, nylon) which don’t break down naturally in the environment. Instead they end up as microplastics, which when ingested can cause DNA damage, reproductive harm, and can change your gene activity, which increases the risk of cancer. As a whole, the overproduction and overconsumption of clothes and other garments has nothing but negative effects for our environment and for us.

So you may be asking yourself, “How can I help combat this unsustainable practice?” Well have I got the solution for you. Thrifting gives clothes a new purpose rather than ending up in a landfill, which greatly helps reduce pollution and waste. In addition, spending your hard earned cash on second-hand clothes not only saves you money but helps cut down on overconsumption of new clothes as well. So what are we waiting for? Give thrifting a try today!

 

References

Ruiz, Arabella. “17 Most Worrying Textile Waste Statistics & Facts.” The Roundup, 18 Mar. 2024, https://theroundup.org/textile-waste-statistics/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Dutchen, Stephanie. “Microplastics Everywhere.” Harvard Medicine Magazine, Spring 2023, https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/microplastics-everywhere. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Van Brande, Helena. “6 Unsustainable Fabrics to Avoid.” This Green Lifestyle, 11 Dec. 2023, https://www.thisgreenlifestyle.com/all-articles/6-unsustainable-fabrics-to-avoid. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Boyle, Rob. “What Is Upcycling?” Emission Index, updated 21 June 2024, https://www.emission-index.com/carbon-footprint/upcycling. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

 

One of the biggest advantages of being a freshman that we probably took for granted at the time is the proximity to some of the most frequented buildings on campus. Last year, the furthest walk was at most a quarter mile, but things have drastically changed this year with living in the Greenbelt Housing. Now, it’s a minimum quarter mile walk to make it to the dining hall or closest class buildings and other classes being over a half mile away and the PAC being even further at almost three quarters of a mile. I know these distances still are not that far but the time it takes to walk up to triples thus becoming much more appealing to drive from place to place.

 

A map of the Furman campus with paths from different housing illustrating the different lengths.

 

As we all know, this is definitely not a good thing for the environment, especially when you are just trying to save yourself a couple minutes out of convenience. To be more specific about the impacts cars have even in such a short drive, they “emit about 400 grams of CO2 per mile” and this doesn’t account for other greenhouse gasses emitted or those emitted in the production of the car and gasoline it uses (EPA). This means that every time someone drives from the cabin just to the chapel parking lot and back their car emits 600 grams of CO2, which goes directly into the atmosphere to further the effects of global warming. This number does not seem like a lot when all of human emissions have increased to over 36 billion tons per year, but it does not account for the many times it happens in a year or how easily avoidable it is. CO2 contributes to global warming by “absorbing heat radiating from the Earth’s surface and re-release it in all directions—including back toward Earth’s surface” as all greenhouse gasses do (Lindsey). The focus of greenhouse gasses is on CO2 because of its prevalence in the atmosphere and drastically higher impact on global warming with it being “responsible for about two-thirds of the total heating influence of all human-produced greenhouse gasses” (Lindsey). 

 

Graph from Climate.gov illustrating the direct correlation between the increased emissions and CO2 in the atmosphere.

 

Bringing this back specifically to the Cabin, there is no need for us to drive simply across campus to save ourselves the slightest convenience and time, especially with the emissions coming from such a short drive. The emissions seem minimal right now but over time it all adds up, and as residents of the Greenbelt, we should be more concerned with any way we can reduce our emissions because of their effect on the environment. All of us are fully capable of walking or biking over to the main parts of campus or the PAC, so those options should take precedence over a drive. Also, this would not only decrease our emissions as a community and school, but walks and other forms of physical exertion have been linked to increase in mental health.

As college students, we are all stressed by nature, so why not add an extra walk to our day since it takes a load off our shoulders. The American Psychological Association has found up to a “25% lowered risk of depression among adults who got the recommended amount of physical activity per week” (Pearce). These extra walks that we avoid by driving across campus would easily get us to that recommended amount of activity thus improving our mental health and giving us a better outlook on the rest of our day. Based on this and the environmental impacts of driving, there is no good reason for us to be driving across campus despite the increase of distance this year and inconvenience.

 

 

Campus Map.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.furman.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/174/2020/03/Campus-Map.pdf. 

DeAngelis, Tori. “Want to boost your mental health? Take a walk.” APA, 1 November 2022, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/defeating-depression-naturally. Accessed 19 November 2024.

“Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle.” EPA, 23 August 2024, https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle#driving. Accessed 18 November 2024.

Lindsey, Rebecca. “Climate Change: Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide.” Climate.gov, 9 April 2024, https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide#:~:text=Without%20carbon%20dioxide%2C%20Earth’s%20natural,causing%20global%20temperature%20to%20rise.. Accessed 18 November 2024.

 

          November 5, 2024 millions of Americans were glued to their screen. Living in the Eco Cottage, my house was anxious longing for a president that would protect our climate. We were longing for a president that would acknowledge the sustainable foundations we have built in our lives here.                                                                        

           As a sustainability student, we are aware of what climate change is and how it affects our environment. Majority of people when voting are unaware of policies that are in support of our environment versus policies that would harm the environment. It is important to look at the policies of the people we elect. The United States currently holds different policies while also having a task force for climate change. This task first was forged in 2015 when the Paris New Deal was adopted as a treaty by international nations. The United Nations refers to the New Deal  as “ a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations together to combat climate change and adapt to its effects”.     

                                          

                    

Under this Deal, President Biden currently has a national goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50%-52% by 2030. The US is also tackling climate change with the Inflation Reduction Act. This act called for clean energy incentives. The act currently has caused clean energy to surge in all fifty states. The US also passed the Kigali amendment that reduces HFC’s. HFCs make up some of the greenhouse gasses admitted into our environment. We also have pledged alongside 155 other countries to cut down methane admissions to 30%.

As the new presidency starts, we have to be aware of what the next leader has planned. Currently, our president-elect wants to repeal all climate change policies passed by the former government. As we are aware of what the president elect can do due to his former presidency, it is reasonable to be fearful. In the past, we have been faced with this president wanting to pull out of the Paris deal and any other major climate incentives. When faced with putting the economy over livelihood what can one do? Scientists have a grim estimation of what climate change can and will do to us. It is important to be aware that the  science lets us know that the furthering of climate change will lead to droughts, sea levels rising, malnutrition, worsening storms, and other atrocities. With this grim prediction, it feels like  our impacts are miniscule. Living sustainably means living for a better future. The use of sustainable practices by the average American is impactful in the fight against climate change.We can continue to promote sustainability through recycling, walking instead of driving, or even managing food waste. However, the most important thing to push for sustainability is to vote. We must be aware of how the laws the government passes affects our planet. Local and state legislators pus the laws that determine our future. If we want to see a better planet tomorrow, it is important to be educated today.

                                             

                                                              References:

 The United States Government. (2024, August 9). National Climate Task Force. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/#:~:text=Reducing%20U.S.%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions,clean%20energy%20to%20disadvantaged%20communities 

Climate change impacts are increasing for Americans. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/climate-change-impacts-are-increasing-for-americans

Higgins, T., & Lespier, D. (2024a, July 26). The Biden Administration has taken more climate action than any other in history. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-biden-administration-has-taken-more-climate-action-than-any-other-in-history/ 

Lashof, D. (2024, July 30). Tracking progress: Climate action under the biden administration. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/insights/biden-administration-tracking-climate-action-progress 

1, N., 11, J., 14, A., & 13, S. (2024, November 6). Clean economy works: Tracking new clean energy projects across U.S.E2. https://e2.org/announcements/ 

Inflation reduction act. U.S. Department of the Treasury. (2024, October 17). https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act#:~:text=Across%20the%20economy%2C%20the%20IRA,good%20wages%20for%20those%20efforts. 

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/u-s-ratification-of-the-kigali-amendment/ 

Trump Issues Executive Order on Climate Change. Trump Issues Executive Order on Climate Change | Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. (n.d.). https://climate.law.columbia.edu/content/trump-issues-executive-order-climate-change-0 

 

 

 

I grew up in Vinnytsia, a medium-sized town in Ukraine with a population of around 400,000. For 17 years, I traveled throughout Europe. When I moved to the USA, I had to adapt to many lifestyle changes. I have always been interested in sustainability and have diligently followed this topic online. It seemed that U.S. citizens discuss and share information about sustainability the most, which gives the impression that they are the most concerned.

My experience after moving here has revealed why this is the case. Living sustainably in the USA is quite complicated and needs to be consistently addressed, whereas in Europe, it tends to be a natural part of daily life, and people find it comfortable.

The first difference I noticed is the easy accessibility of products in the USA, which often leads to excessive consumerism. In the USA, you can get almost anything you want within a few days if you shop on Amazon, or even within minutes if you drive to a store. This is not the case in Europe, where the variety of products is more limited. If you’re looking for something specific, you may have to spend a lot of time searching for it and might eventually realize that you don’t really need it after all. And I think it is a good thing.

It helps prevent impulsive buying and encourages consumers to purchase only what they truly need.

The second difference is ways of commuting. Oh, how I miss my rides on trams, trolleybuses, and trains.

In Ukraine, teenagers typically do not own cars, and most families have only one car, at most two; there isn’t a separate car for each person. To be honest, people in Ukraine don’t need cars. Public transportation can take you anywhere you want to go, starting at 5 AM and operating until midnight. I used to travel alone on public transport to my music school since I was six years old, and I never had any issues with it. It is safe, comfortable, affordable, and widely used by our population. Additionally, public transport allows you to relax.

Driving makes me feel exhausted because I have to constantly focus on the road. In contrast, while using public transport, you can read a book, do some work, or even take a nap. This makes traveling within cities and between them much easier and less tiring. Moreover, cities in Ukraine and Europe are very accessible for bicycles.

We have bike lanes everywhere, which makes it even more convenient to commute. Additionally, most towns in Europe and Ukraine are extremely walkable, so you can easily get whatever you need within a short walk.

The fourth difference is waste management. Europe has actively promoted the concept of a circular economy, emphasizing waste reduction through recycling and sustainable practices. The EU has implemented various regulations and directives aimed at minimizing single-use plastics, encouraging recycling, and promoting the eco-design of products. These initiatives are designed to create a closed loop that reduces environmental impact while enhancing sustainable consumption and production

(ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – Why Is Europe More Environmentally Conscious than the U.S.?” 2024). For instance, in Italy, waste is taxed, and individuals can face fines for improper separation of recyclables. In Ukraine, waste is also separated and recycled. Many people choose to shop with their own reusable bags, drink from reusable bottles, and bring their own cups to coffee shops when ordering takeout. Additionally, consumers must pay for plastic bags, and there is legislation that allows EU member states to ban plastic bags entirely (Casavant 2018).

I myself experienced firsthand how your surroundings shape your choices. For instance, when deciding what to eat, I find it much harder to resist the temptation of ordering fast food instead of making an effort to cook a well-balanced meal at home, especially when I am tired and short on time. However, it’s not just about your surroundings; governance and legislation play a crucial role as well, often even more so. The EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement exemplifies a collective effort to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (UNFCCC, 2024). While certain states and cities in the U.S. have implemented progressive ecological measures, the lack of cohesive federal policies has hindered the country’s overall commitment to sustainability (“ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – Why Is Europe More Environmentally Conscious than the U.S.?” 2024).

In my opinion, there are several reasons why people in Ukraine tend to be environmentally conscious. Personally, I never considered consuming only what you need and saving energy and water as sustainability practices; it’s simply how I was taught to live. I believe this attitude is largely influenced by Ukraine’s history. Living in a post-Soviet country, which has faced economic challenges, encourages people to turn off lights when they’re done using them, keep the water running only when necessary, walk instead of driving, and choose affordable food options, often from local markets. While many aspire to achieve the American dream, it’s important to recognize the trade-offs associated with that lifestyle.

In conclusion, since moving to the USA, I have had to adjust to many lifestyle changes. However, living in the Cottage has fostered an environment and community that supports and encourages me, along with others, to practice and learn more about sustainable living and keep each other accountable. Let’s be mindful of our actions and try our best to not allow our surroundings to dictate our choices!

Works cited:

UNFCCC. 2024. “The Paris Agreement.” United Nations Climate Change. United Nations. 2024. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement.

“ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – Why Is Europe More Environmentally Conscious than the U.S.?” 2024. Www.greenunion.co.uk. 2024. https://www.greenunion.co.uk/lifestyle/1621/ENVIRONMENTAL-ISSUES—Why-Is-Europe-More-Environmentally-Conscious-Than-The-U.S.%3F.

Casavant, Morgan. 2018. “5 Sustainable Living Practices Europe Teaches the Rest of the World.” YouAligned^TM. January 21, 2018. https://youaligned.com/lifestyle/sustainable-living-europe/.