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Overview
Sustainability is looked at through different categories each exploring various aspects of the material. Everything is considered including the physical characteristics, the effect on the environment, and the emissions from the process used to create it. All of these help develop a more comprehensive understanding of what sustainability of a material means. Click on the circles above to see more information on the attirbutes that make materials sustainable: Environmental Impact, Resource Usage, Human Health and Authenticity.
Environmental Impact
WE ARE USING RAW MATERIALS 1.3 TIMES FASTER THAN THE EARTH CAN RENEW THEM. WE SHOULD REDUCE OUR USE OF RESOURCES SO FUTURE GENERATIONS HAVE WHAT THEY NEED TO LIVE A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE.
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
– Use public transportation, ride a bike or walk and reduce greenhouse gasses.
– Carry a refillable bottle or cup and bring your own bag to reduce plastic waste.
– Use compact fluorescent bulbs and remove a half ton of CO2 out of the air.
– Invest in local foods and products that don’t need to be shipped long distances.
– Switch off your computers, appliances and TVs and unplug power strips when not in use.
– Use biodegradable detergents, shampoos,and deodorants to reduce water pollution.
Resource Usage
FROM AUTOMOBILES TO ART SUPPLIES – OUR “STUFF” IS MADE FROM NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES. THIS THREATENS THE SUSTAINABILITY OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
– Recycle and save resources, decrease the use of toxic chemicals and cut energy use.
– Use reusable bags, utensils and containers instead of their disposable alternatives.
– Buy products with the greatest percentage of recycled content.
– Reduce paper usage by using recycled paper, printing double-sided and paying bills online.
– A 3-4 min shower reduces water usage from the typical 20 gallons to 7.5 gallons.
– Turn off the tap when scrubbing dishes, brushing teeth and washing hands.
Human Health
FROM AUTOMOBILES TO ART SUPPLIES – OUR “STUFF” IS MADE FROM NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES. THIS THREATENS THE SUSTAINABILITY OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
– Recycle and save resources, decrease the use of toxic chemicals and cut energy use.
– Use reusable bags, utensils and containers instead of their disposable alternatives.
– Buy products with the greatest percentage of recycled content.
– Reduce paper usage by using recycled paper, printing double-sided and paying bills online.
– A 3-4 min shower reduces water usage from the typical 20 gallons to 7.5 gallons.
– Turn off the tap when scrubbing dishes, brushing teeth and washing hands.
Social Equity
SOCIAL EQUITY PROMOTES ACCESS TO EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND THE MEANS TO LIVE A JUST AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE.
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
– Support local businesses and local Farmers Markets.
– Let the people who represent you in government know about issues that are important to you.
– Join a local environmental group that monitors industries that are discharging wastes in your water or air.
– Get involved at Pratt. Join Evirolution, apply to be an Eco-Rep or CSDS Intern for Change.
– Support sustainable initiatives in your dorm and in your studio.
– Working on a cool sustainable project. Let us know by contacting csds@pratt.edu
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