Sustainable Living Guide

2025 Edition

SUSTAINABLE LIVING GUIDE

An introductory guide to campus life: BY students, FOR students

CONTENTS 1 3 4

Introduction What is sustainability?

Environmental & Economic Sustainability 6 14 16

Waste Reduction Resource Conservation Parks and Recreation

18 Social & Cultural Sustainability 20

Sustainable Communities

21

Intergroup Dialogue

22

How to Get Involved

24

Sustainability & Equity

26

Health & Resilience

28

Environmental Justice

30

Civic Engagement

32

Collaboration

34

Explore Mount Pleasant

36 Summary 37

Additional Resources

INTRODUCTION

A

t Central Michigan University (CMU), we do sustainability...or at least we try to.

Sustainability requires continual reassessment and improvement, and so it’s a never-ending, multi-faceted process that we’re committed to at CMU to protect the health of our community and planet.

These accomplishments are thanks to the cross-campus partnerships between hardworking staff and students who make sure the university continues to invest in sustainability. Although we're proud of our successes, sustainability is a commitment and requires community involvement.

In 2019 and 2020, CMU was named No. 1 in sustainability by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for our waste reduction efforts and our award-winning composting programs.

Though it can be an overwhelming world to dive into, pursuing sustainability is a meaningful experience - one that connects to various social issues and prioritizes justice and equity.

Two years later, CMU received first place for our food organics disposal program through Campus Race to Zero Waste, a nation-wide competition among colleges and universities to promote waste reduction efforts.

With Central Sustainability, the student-run office dedicated to pursuing sustainability-oriented projects at CMU, we’re committed to raising awareness on the multi-faceted nature of sustainability.

CMU is also committed to tracking our sustainability goals through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's STARS reporting tool, receiving Gold in 2020 and Silver in 2024.

These awards signify that CMU is at least 56% sustainable as an institution.

That’s why we’ve created this CMU-focused Sustainable Living Guide, which takes a number of complex concepts and breaks them down into small, bite-sized tips on how to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Together, we'll learn more about sustainability, relevant campus resources, sustainable lifestyles and how to build genuine, resilient communities.

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Show your commitment to people and the planet by scanning the QR code to take the CMU Sustainability Pledge!

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WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? The Oxford dictionary defines sustainability as “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.”

The UN World Commission on Environment and Development goes further and defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.”

Most perspectives get at the heart of the same idea: there are finite resources, and we need to have practices that promise stability and well-being for future generations, especially in regard to the environment.

We believe sustainability means striving for and building a better, more equitable world - starting at Central Michigan University and its surrounding communities. Sustainability should be a tool for tackling global issues and a solution that ensures a just and environmentally sound planet.

Because we take an intersectional approach, our sustainability efforts include but are not limited to environmental, social, human, cultural and economic sustainability. These are different types of sustainability, all of which we will highlight throughout this guide.

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ENVIRONMENTAL & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is the concept that is most well-known and most often associated with "sustainability." Environmental sustainability focuses on the wise use of natural resources and the protection of ecosystems and natural environments.

Economic Sustainability: According to the University of Mary Washington, economic sustainability refers to practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental and cultural aspects of the community.

In this section, we will explore these ideas by: • Explaining CMU’s waste reduction infrastructure (pages 7, 13) • Giving tips for effective waste management (pages 9-12, 14) • Covering resource conservation, including water, energy, food and transportation (pages 15-16) • Sharing opportunities for parks and recreation in Mount Pleasant (pages 17-18) 4

Explore different art on CMU's campus through the virtual CMU Campus Art Tour!

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WASTE REDUCTION T

he average American produced approximately 4.9 pounds of garbage every day in 2018, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This added up to a whopping 292.4 million tons in muncipal solid waste for the year. Of our total MSW, the EPA estimates that approximately 32% is recycled and composted.

Although these numbers are striking, some sources consider EPA reports an underestimate – a 2018 study by the University of Colombia estimates that Americans throw out 7 pounds per person every day. Furthermore, Americans produce three times the global average, according to a 2019 report by the research firm Verisk Maplecroft.

Despite what these numbers indicate, the EPA asserts that most materials in landfills could be diverted –either through recycling, composting or upcycling. There are many reasons as to why we produce so much waste to begin with and why so little of it gets diverted. The Verisk Maplecroft study states that the US is “the only developed nation whose waste generation outstrips its ability to recycle, underscoring a shortage of political will and investment in infrastructure.”

Infrastructure and political will is an undeniable problem on the national playing field, but at CMU, we have the existing

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infrastructure and systems to dramatically reduce our waste, namely through accessible recycling and our nationally-acclaimed composting program.

At CMU, we send 40-50,000 pounds of waste to a landfill from the university every week.

CMU Facilities Management estimates approximately 50% of what’s found in an on-campus, residential dumpster could be diverted through existing infrastructure.

More concrete numbers gathered during the Campus Race to Zero Waste indicate an annual on-campus diversion rate of approximately 38% (this includes weights from mixed recycling, composting in dining units, donations, and electronics recycling).

Our diversion rate reflects the national one, but given the existing infrastructure and opportunities on campus, we can and should do better. Poor waste management contributes to climate change, air pollution, water and soil contamination, environmental injustice and impacts natural habitats.

The following resources in this guide will help serve as a starting point on how you can reduce your own waste on-campus and beyond.

CMU RESOURCES CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE CMU annually participates in Campus Race to Zero Waste, a national competition between over 600 higher education institutions to reduce their waste.

During the spring semester, Central Sustainability and Facilities Management often put on programming and host opportunities for students to participate and reduce their waste. Residence halls can compete against one another to see which community can recycle the most. Be on the lookout for these opportunities and divert as much waste from landfills as you can!

SPECIAL EVENTS In addition to leading Campus Race to Zero Waste, Central Sustainability and Facilities Management regularly host events such as electronic recycling drives or pumpkin composting opportunities.

In the spring of 2023, CMU recycled close to 13,000 pounds of electronics. In the fall of 2021, FM collected 1,780 pounds of pumpkins for composting. Students can also sign up for volunteer clean-ups through Central Sustainability, Facilities Management or student organizations.

Be on the lookout for these opportunities by following Central Sustainability's social media pages @cmucentralsustainability or student groups such as the CMU Student Government Association.

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HOW DO YOU REDUCE WASTE? Although recycling and composting is undeniably important, preventing waste is an overall more sustainable and long-term solution!

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2 3

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Become conscious of how much waste you produce and which products you use are creating the most waste. Learn about what you can recycle and what you can repurpose!

Avoid single-use plastics (such as plastic cutlery, straws and cups) and find alternative products that use less packaging, are biodegradable or have longer lifespans.

Incorporate reusable products into your life. Use a reusable water bottle, thermos, grocery and produce bags, silverware, feminine hygiene products and more!

Scan the QR code to watch a video produced by Central Sustainability on how to conduct your own waste audit and learn about what you’re throwing away that doesn’t need to go to a landfill!

WASTE AND CONSUMPTION Waste and consumption are inextricably linked since the waste we produce is a byproduct of what we consume.

That’s why it’s important to be mindful of where your waste is coming from and employing strategies (like reusable products) to prevent waste production in the first place.

UPCYCLING AND DONATING The CMU Surplus Sale occurs once a month in Lot 1 on north campus or virtually on the CMU Surplus Sale Facebook page. During sales, students, staff, faculty and community members can purchase no-longer-needed goods at discounted prices. During move-out, Residence Life also hosts an annual donation drive in all the residence hall lobbies.

Facebook groups like Mt. Pleasant Spark in the Dark allow community members to exchange items on an as-needed basis.

There are also plenty of local nonprofits and businesses where students can donate and purchase clothing or furniture, namely Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill and Salvation Army.

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ON-CAMPUS RECYCLING GUIDE Recycling guidelines vary by county, and CMU depends on the dedicated efforts of Isabella County's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) as its primary recycling center. For more details on what materials are accepted, visit: https://www.isabellacounty.org/departments/recycling-center/

Acceptable Plastic

Cardboard

Glass

Plastic #s 1 through 7 (except #4 and #6) are accepted.

Please flatten all corrugated cardboard, including boxes from cereal, crackers, pasta, cake mix, toiletries, shoe boxes and gift boxes. Remove any plastic liners before flattening. Do not recycle frozen food boxes!

Rinse bottles and jars.

Recycle metal lids and clear glass jars only.

Metals Rinse and recycle aerosol cans, metal food cans, aluminum trays and foil.

Paper

Recycle white and colored paper, including mail, office and school papers, as well as envelopes (remove plastic windows), file folders and notebooks. No need to remove tape, staples or sticky notes.

Media

Recycle newspapers, newsprint, magazines and softcover books.

Not Acceptable

Light Bulbs

Packaging Peanuts

Drink Cartons

Colored Glass

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#4 or #6 Plastics

Wrapping Paper

Batteries

WHERE DO I DISPOSE OF...

BATTERIES & ELECTRONICS CMU recycles batteries, so look around for battery drop-off boxes on campus.

Off-campus students should hold onto their batteries and electronics, look out for local e-waste drives or search online at Earth911 for drop-off sites.

PLASTIC BAGS Although plastic bags can't be recycled in the maroon tanks, all residence halls and the graduate apartments have receptacles just for plastic bags. Off-campus students can reuse plastic bags or drop them off at Meijer to be recycled.

MEDICATION Often overlooked, the disposal of leftover or unused pills can be a huge issue, as medication that’s flushed down the drain can affect public water quality. Meijer has kiosks to drop off prescription drugs safely.

However, please search online how to dispose of specific medications.

PIZZA BOXES Due to grease and oils, pizza boxes are NOT recyclable. However, they can be composted! CMU residence halls and the graduate apartments have blue units dedicated to pizza box composting.

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COMPOSTING AT CMU C

omposting is a huge source of pride at CMU, as it is one of our most successful sustainability-oriented programs. Thanks to our composting efforts, almost all food waste in dining units and on-campus eateries is composted. Since 2021, CMU has saved about half a million pounds of organics from landfills every single year.

Not only is composting economically sustainable (saving the university $15,000 annually), it directly combats climate change by reducing methane emissions. Instead of sending food waste to a landfill, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and takes up space, composting turns organic matter into a nutrient-rich, useful product.

Our composting program was started by a CMU student in 2010 as a small, on-campus compost. This pilot project eventually grew into an amazing food recovery program.

Learn more about CMU’s composting program by scanning the QR code to watch a video that takes you from fork to farm through the composting process!

After taking food waste to Morgan Composting, CMU occasionally buys it back in the form of compost to fertilize on-campus shrub beds. The Jack Saunders Marching Band Field on campus has also been replenished with compost from our very own food waste.

This program has received national acclaim, landing us as the 2019 and 2020 WasteWise Partner of the Year by the U.S. EPA.

Watch the video "Wasted: Composting Edition " 12

DIY COMPOST What is Compost?

Composting is a natural process that recycles organic materials like food scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil mixture called compost. It's also a great way to reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions from your own home, all while creating your own nutrient-rich soil.

As mentioned previously, the majority of waste in CMU's dining halls and landscaping operations gets composted. However, you can learn how to compost in your daily life by following the steps below.

Make Your Own Compost!

1 2 3

Find an empty plastic container with a lid and cut holes into the bottom for ventilation.

Layer nitrogen (greens) and carbon (browns) to compost properly.

Stir your mixture, make sure it has sunlight and add water if necessary (insects such as worms will speed up the composting process).

DON'T COMPOST • Meat, dairy, fat and oil products • Carnivorous pet feces • Human waste • Diseased plants • Charcoal or coal ash (wood ash is OK)

Greens include: • Kitchen waste • Grass clippings • Food scraps • Egg shells • Coffee grounds • Tea leaves Browns include: • Dry leaves • Wood chips • Corn stalks • Straw • Newspaper clippings

Scan the QR code to see how you can make your own compost off-campus!

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RESOURCE CONSERVATION Energy is one of the most important resources to conserve as it can have far-reaching impacts on emissions. Practice smart energy habits!

1. Turn off lights when you leave a room.

2. Use minimal heating and cooling.

3. Watch for “ghost” electronics draining power when off. Unplug unused devices to prevent power loss.

4. Wash laundry on the “cold” water setting.

Conserving water is a good practice to save money and help out the environment. Develop these habits now to take to your future home!

1. Take shorter showers.

2. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

3. Make sure to do full loads of laundry.

Food production requires a variety of resources, but even small changes can help with energy, water and land conservation!

1. Eat locally-sourced or in-season foods.

2. Incorporate more vegetarian or vegan meals into your diet.

3. Only purchase as much food as you can eat.

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TRANSPORTATION Walking, biking, carpooling and public transportation are all viable options within the CMU community. Alternative transportation is an easy way for you to save money in the long-run and also cut down on your own personal emissions! The map above shows the campus and community I-Ride shuttle routes, bus arrival times and which stops require fares or are prepaid by apartment complexes.

CMU also strives to be a bike-friendly campus with ample sidewalk space and bike racks. Bicycle owners are encouraged to register their bikes with campus police, so that it is protected in the event of theft or damage.

Additionally, the City of Mount Pleasant has dedicated bike routes with signage across town as well as a bike benefits program.

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PARKS AND RECREATION The City of Mount Pleasant offers a number of different parks and green spaces. During your time at CMU, make sure to take a break from your studies, relax and explore local parks.

In this guide, we’ve featured a few close and popular parks, but there are so many options on the city’s Parks and Recreation website, which we encourage you to check out for more information on parks!

VEITS WOODS

~1 mile away from campus Dow-Veits Woods is a beautiful nature reserve located near campus and can be accessed at the western end of Center Drive. It was donated to the university in 1971 and is open to all visitors. The space features unpaved trails through a field of wild grasses and a wooded area along the Chippewa River.

CHIPP-A-WATERS PARK

~1.3 miles away from campus

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Chipp-A-Waters Park is connected to Veits Woods, but it can also be reached off of West High Street. This park has a playground, accessible paved trails, picnic benches and an audio tour for the riverwalk.

MILL POND PARK

~1.3 miles away from campus Mill Pond can be reached off of W High Street. This park has a playground, accessible paved trails, picnic benches, wetlands and a riverwalk. The north trails from Mill Pond will lead visitors to Nelson Park in downtown.

NELSON & ISLAND PARK ~1.5 miles away from campus

Nelson and Island Park are two connected parks located in downtown Mount Pleasant. They are near City Hall and GreenTree Co-Op Market. Both parks have accessible, paved trails.

Island Park has a skate park, splash pad, playground, baseball field, pavilions and wide open fields for sporting activities.

DEERFIELD NATURE PARK ~6.4 miles away from campus

Deerfield Nature Park is part of the Isabella County parks system, and it’s a popular destination for CMU students. The park has 8 miles of hiking trails along the Chippewa River, a disc golf course, cross-country skiing sites and camp sites. The park charges an entrance fee.

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Social, Cultural & Human Sustainability Social Sustainability: Social sustainability is the process for creating sustainable successful spaces that promote social wellbeing in our communities.

Cultural Sustainability:

Cultural sustainability is a form of sustainability that focuses on celebrating cultural beliefs and practices, respecting heritage conservation and honoring identities.

Human Sustainability:

Human sustainability relates to improving the quality of and maintaining human life. This can be accomplished through improving education, health and inclusivity.

In this section, we will explore these ideas by:

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• Emphasizing community (page 21) • Stressing the need for dialogue and communication (page 22) • Sharing ways for finding community at CMU (pages 23-24) • Explaining the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (page 25) • Sharing wellbeing resources (pages 27-28) • Diving into environmental social issues (pages 29-30) • Highlighting tools for taking action (pages 31-32) • Sharing collaboration examples (pages 33-34) • Exploring place-based connections (pages 35-36)

Natures in Marketplace by Fritz Rock Take the CMU Campus Art Tour to understand the connections between sustainability and art at CMU. 19

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Sustainability almost always comes back to communities.

CS defines sustainable communities as interdependent, diverse and self-sustaining ecosystems. These systems offer internal support, center around a shared experience and promote a common goal.

CS believes sustainability has the potential to build and bolster communities through the development of place-based connections and healthy relationships. In order to better our natural and built environment, we need a positive campus culture and sense of ownership within our shared spaces. Community is all about feeling connected, supported and empowered.

This section is meant to emphasize how learning about social issues, getting involved, communicating across differences and developing connections to places creates sustainable communities.

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INTERGROUP DIALOGUE WHAT IS DIALOGUE? Intergroup dialogue is a critical learning process for developing understanding, communication and collaboration across differences. Participants engage in structured, facilitated conversations across social group differences (racial, gender, class, religious and others) with an emphasis on active listening and critical reflection. For both facilitators and participants, intergroup dialogue builds essential competencies for working in diverse teams, fostering a climate of inclusion and engaging as an active citizen in a global society.

At CMU, students can learn through intergroup dialogues in programs supported by the Institute for Transformative Dialogue. Students can even pursue a minor in the program on Intergroup Relations and Justice (IGR).

There are many opportunities at CMU to engage in conversations and learning across differences. Follow the Institute for Transformative Dialogue, the Office of Diversity Education and Multicultural Academic Student Services on social media for these opportunities!

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES: In DIALOGUE we try to...

• Broaden our own perspective • Look for shared meaning • Express ambiguity • Allow for and invite different perspectives • Challenge our own and others' preconceived notions • Explore thoughts and feelings • Honor silence

In DISCUSSION we try to...

In DEBATE we try to...

• Present ideas

• Succeed or win

• Seek answers and

• Look for weakness

solutions

• Defend our opinion

• Persuade others

• Stress disagreement

• Enlist others

• Search for flaws in logic

• Share information

• Deny others' feelings

• Avoid feelings

• Use silence to gain

• Avoid silence

advantage

Graphic courtesy of the Institute for Transformative Dialogue 21

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING 1. Attend Community Council meetings and meet your Community Council Advisor.

2. Get to know your Resident Assistant (RA) and Inclusion Assistant.

3. Learn about campus resources and practice healthy habits.

4. Go to events and leave your door open to meet people.

IN THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY 1. Join a Registered Student Organization (RSO) (visit Engage Central for the full list).

2. Attend campus events, which can be found at events.cmich.edu.

3. Follow student media like Central Michigan Life and News Central to learn about what’s going on in the community.

4. Follow different university and RSO social media channels.

5. Visit the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center for volunteer opportunities.

IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

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1. Get to know Mount Pleasant and explore downtown.

2. Support local businesses, attend the farmers’ market and keep track of local developments and events.

3. Check out local organizations like the Mount Pleasant Citizens’ Climate Lobby and League of Women Voters, among others.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED JOIN AND SUPPORT RSOs CMU has a number of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) for many fields of study that are dedicated to making a more sustainable community.

By joining an RSO or following their social media channels, you can learn more about global issues, what sustainability looks like in your own life and how to contribute to initiatives that improve campus.

You can find more information on RSOs and personalize your search to find student groups that suit your interests on Engage Central!

SUSTAINABILITY RELATED RSOs Since CS defines sustainability broadly, many RSOs would be considered sustainability related. CS has highlighted a few below that are especially involved in sustainability efforts on-campus.

• Central Votes • CMU Sierra Club • Geography and Environmental Studies Club • Take Back the Tap • The CMU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society • Refugee Outreach Collective

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SUSTAINABILITY & EQUITY Earlier in this guide, CS described sustainability as an intersectional tool for ensuring a just and environmentally sound planet. In this section of the guide, CS will elaborate on that definition.

The most pressing issues we face are complex and deeply interconnected; environmental issues have societal impacts and vice versa. The lack of proper action can fuel social inequalities, economic disparities and environmental degradation. These are the faults of a system that undermines the value of life and permits unsustainable practices - creating a vicious cycle of exploitation, cruelty and violence.

Sustainability can't be achieved without social awareness and cultural understanding. We need to develop and support resilient local efforts, foster inclusive institutions and services and connect in meaningful ways to people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

In addition to implementing policies that benefit the holistic environment, we must advocate for actions that empower disenfranchised communities and ensure justice for all.

This diversity in experience and interaction makes all of our efforts more sustainable - even our efforts toward sustainability.

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DIVERSITY RESOURCES Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity Bovee UC 108 989-774-3711

The Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity, located in the Bovee University Center, houses the Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services, the Office of Indigenous Affairs, the Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs, the Student Transition Enrichment Program and the Division of Student Affairs.

Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Warriner Hall 319 The Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offers campus-wide programs and activities for students, faculty and 989-774-3700

staff that foster understanding across diverse groups. This office also develops policy and coordinates institutional efforts to make sure campus is welcoming and inclusive.

Office of Civil Rights Rights and Institutional Equity (OCRIE) Bovee UC 306 989-774-3253

OCRIE oversees the university’s nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies and procedures. In addition to maintaining reports and developing programs, this office handles reports of sexual- and gender-based misconduct.

Students can submit misconduct reports through the OCRIE concern reporting tool on their website.

Diversity Education Warriner Hall 306 Diversity Education offers opportunities for the community to enhance their cultural competence. This initiative provides (989) 774-7318 intercultural education, facilitates campus wide interaction, develops partnerships to advance diversity and inclusion and implements educational opportunities.

Student Disability Services Park Library 120 (989) 774-3018

Student Disability Services coordinates academic and housing accommodations to provide equal access for CMU students who have disabilities. Through this office, students can register and submit documentation to apply for accommodations or consult with staff about accessibility grievances.

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HEALTH AND RESILIENCE Human and social sustainability are distinct yet closely related concepts, each focusing on different aspects of building sustainable communities. Human sustainability emphasizes the well-being, health and development of individuals, while social sustainability concentrates on fostering inclusive, equitable and resilient social structures.

Health and resilience are important aspects of sustainable communities. Having your needs met will allow you to be successful and more supportive of others.

While you’re at CMU, it’s important to take care of your physical and mental health. In addition to school and work, this can be challenging, but we have resources and people to support you through your journey.

Know that you’re never alone and don’t be afraid to ask for help! We're here for you!

STUDENT SUCCESS RESOURCES If you’re interested in learning more about CMU’s academic and professional resources, check on these services at cmich.edu.

• Academic Advising • Career Development Center • Office of Student Success • Volunteer Center • Ombuds Office (mediation services) • Health Advocate Wellness Coaching 26

Scan the QR code to watch a video produced by Central Sustainability on the CMU Student Food Pantry.

The pantry is run out of the Volunteer Center and offers free fresh and nonperishable food to students, no questions asked.

STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER The Student Activity Center (SAC) offers a variety of facilities centered on fitness and wellness. The SAC is a gym with workout equipment, an indoor pool, an indoor track, recreational amenities and fitness classes. Check out the University Recreation website to learn about all the SAC’s resources. Student access to the SAC is a benefit of CMU tuition.

CMU STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES Foust Hall houses the CMU health clinic and counseling center. Visit the Student Health Services website to see all healthcare services offered and schedule an appointment. For counseling, visit the Counseling Services website to schedule an appointment. Counseling services are free for CMU students.

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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Understanding the connections between environmental and social issues

ccording to Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, environmental A racism is the “disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color” as a result of institutional neglect and/or lack of institutional power among communities.

Environmental racism refers to “institutional rules, regulations, policies or government and/or corporate decisions that deliberately target certain communities for locally undesirable land uses and lax enforcement of zoning and environmental laws, resulting in communities being disproportionately exposed to toxic and hazardous waste based upon race.”

Environmental justice is a movement that recognizes the link between economic, environmental and health issues. It promotes sustainability, making sure that communities and their natural environments are clean and safe without the presence of environmental inequities. Environmental justice is supported by “decent paying and secure jobs; quality schools and recreation; decent housing and adequate health care; democratic decision-making; and finally, personal empowerment.”

Environmental justice was signed into law in 1994 through an executive order by the Clinton administration. This executive order aimed to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people—regardless of race, color, national origin or income—in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Although it was long overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this order was later rescinded by the Trump administration in March 2025, effectively rolling back formal bipartisan federal support for these environmental justice protections.

“ America is segregated and so is pollution. Race and class still matter and map closely with pollution, unequal protection and vulnerability. Today, zip code is still the most potent predictor of an individual’s health and well-being."

- Dr. Robert Bullard, famously known as the father of environmental justice 28

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CS cannot discuss sustainability and equity without acknowledging the presence of indigenous peoples and their important role in sustainability and conservation. Throughout the world, there are approximately 370 million indigenous peoples who represent as many as 5,000 different indigenous cultures.

At least a quarter of the world’s land area is owned, managed, used or occupied by indigenous peoples and local communities, according to the UN Environment Programme.

Although natural degradation is slower in these areas, the effects of climate change and environmental exploitation have a direct impact on local livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Lack of self-determination and autonomy, land rights in law but not in reality, extractive industries and the implementation gap all pose challenges to indigenous communities and simultaneously exacerbate the threats of climate change.

These practices perpetuate environmental stressors, extreme poverty and social inequalities. Furthermore, environmental activities must be implemented in a way that fosters respect, promotion and the safeguarding of indigenous peoples.

Connecting environmental justice and cultural sustainability

Acknowledging a Place, Honoring a People CMU's campus resides on beautiful lands that have been maintained for over 200 years by the Anishinaabe people, the Indigenous inhabitants of Michigan. CS acknowledges CMU's impact on Indigenous peoples and their homelands and recognizes the long-standing environmental stewardship of Indigenous peoples, a mission that is also central to the work of the office. CS strives to continue a strong partnership with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals attempt to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 SDGs are set to be achieved by 2030, but they cannot be accomplished without the inclusion and empowerment of indigenous peoples.

Although we group environmental justice under social sustainability, these concepts overlap into cultural sustainability, which focuses on honoring and celebrating identities.

Regardless of specific definitions, learning about social issues, seeking diversity of thought and understanding different cultures are important to the human experience and necessary in building a better world. This guide is simply an introduction to the opportunities at and around CMU to explore and understand social issues and potential solutions.

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT One of the best ways to support your communities or advocate for change is through civic engagement. This means participating in the democratic process and addressing issues of public concern. It can take the form of volunteerism, activism, involvement in local government, engagement with the news, writing your representatives and most directly, voting.

Sustainability is all about social responsibility, improving the social, natural and built environment and seeking long-term solutions.

MI

Inform ter a Vo

on ti

That’s why staying civically engaged and exercising your rights is not just important, but imperative.

Try to accomplish all of the following goals:

CIVIC GOALS

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Go to FireUP the Vote in September to get registered to vote

Use your CMU account to get discounted subscriptions to a credible news outlet

Vote in a local, state, and national election

Attend a Mount Pleasant City Commission meeting

Volunteer with a community organization

Submit a Letter to the Editor to Central Michigan Life

CMU RESOURCES CENTRAL CIVICS Run out of the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, Central Civics is a program dedicated to teaching civic engagement skills to the campus community. Central Civics is a resource for students who want to learn more about the democratic process such as how to register to vote and communicate with elected officials.

The program also hosts events and educational campaigns like the Citizenship Crash Course. Follow the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center on social media for more information on Central Civics events and programming, as well as opportunities for service-learning!

CENTRAL VOTES Central Votes is an RSO dedicated to registering students to vote and educating them about civic engagement.

The group is open to all students and meets regularly. Central Votes distributes resources and hosts workshops on topics, such as voter suppression and how to vote.

To learn more about their resources, you can visit their website at cvpcmich.wixsite.com/ centralvotes, check out their page on Engage Central and follow them on social media!

Photos courtesy of Central Votes

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COLLABORATION Throughout this guide, CS has named a number of different student groups, university offices and community organizations. Collaboration is key to sustainability, and it’s integral to building communities and advocating for change.

In this guide, CS would like to highlight some specific partnerships developed through a mutually shared goal to better our communities and planet.

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Central Michigan Sustainability Partners In 2025, Mt. Pleasant students, organizations and community members came together at Island Park to celebrate Earth Day. Co-organized by CS through the Central Michigan Sustainability Partners, the event featured educational booths from groups like Consumers Energy. Over 100 K–12 students took part in games, recycled crafts and interactive environmental lessons. CS strives to strengthen community connections through efforts like these.

Isabella County Material Recovery Facility CS has maintained an active partnership with the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility by tracking campus recycling data, participating in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition and educating the CMU community on sustainable recycling practices. This collaboration supports ongoing efforts to reduce waste and promote responsible recycling habits across campus.

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe CS worked with students from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College to plant a Three Sisters garden on campus. The Three Sisters are a combination of three plants (corn, squash and beans) that work together and support one another. This garden serves as a gesture of respect to members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and honors the rich culture of the Anishinaabek peoples.

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EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS Michigan Campus Sustainability Collective CS is a part of the Michigan Campus Sustainability Collective, a group composed of sustainability directors from 30 Michigan colleges and universities. The group shares resources and collaborates on state-wide projects.

Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability

CS participates on behalf of CMU in the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability, a network of staff, faculty and students from colleges and universities working together to promote sustainability throughout the Upper Midwest. The association welcomes all in higher education who are dedicated to creating a culture of sustainability on their campuses, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education CS is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), an organization that empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to become effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. Through AASHE, CMU has access to vital resources and professional development opportunities, enabling its community to translate sustainability knowledge into action and connect with a diverse, engaged network of sustainability leaders.

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EXPLORE MOUNT PLEASANT WHY EXPLORE MOUNT PLEASANT? Finding or creating community can often mean connecting to a place. While you're at CMU, get to know Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area to help you feel connected and make a home for yourself.

By exploring Mount Pleasant, you can also improve the natural and built environment by supporting local businesses and community organizations while developing new connections and relationships.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES With too many to list, CS recommends you visit the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce for a full directory of the businesses in the area. This list includes all the available options from food and entertainment to specific professional/technical services.

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FEATURED PLACES ZIIBIWING CENTER The Ziibiwing Center is a cultural center, located at 6650 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant. The center’s mission is to provide an enriching, cultural educational experience. In addition to special events, the Ziibiwing Center offers a permanent exhibit on the history, culture and contemporary society of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and other Great Lakes Anishinabek.

Mt. Pleasant Farmers' Market Mount Pleasant hosts two weekly farmers’ markets, which distribute local produce, artisan work, and many other goods. The Thursday market runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Island Park (May to October). The Saturday market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Broadway Street downtown (June to October).

GREENTREE CO-OP MARKET GreenTree is a cooperatively owned grocery store in Mount Pleasant. As a food co-op, the store is owned by community members as opposed to investors. Anyone can become a GreenTree member by paying a small annual fee to receive discounts and elect their coop’s board of directors. The store’s goal is to provide healthy, sustainably-sourced food while supporting local producers.

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SUMMARY Types of Sustainability: In this guide, CS discussed a number of different types of sustainability, ranging from environmental, economic, social, cultural and human.

These terms all vary based on source and context. Semantics and definitions aside, CS hopes this guide has introduced you to some of the nuances and wide-ranging aspects of sustainability.

Key Takeaways: • Know that sustainability is about way more than protecting an abstract idea of “the environment.” The environment is the space we inhabit and where we live, work and play.

Sustainability ensures that those spaces are safe, happy and healthy for us and future generations to come.

• Be mindful of your habits and look for ways in which you can reduce your environmental impact through reducing waste and conserving resources.

• Contribute to healthy and sustainable communities by getting involved and educated! Take care of yourself, but also seek out different perspectives and learn about issues and solutions.

• Look for ways to meaningfully contribute to a cause and employ your civic skills and collective organizing to affect change!

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Visit the CS website to learn about all CMU’s sustainability initiatives!

Show your commitment to people and the planet by taking the CMU Sustainability Pledge!

Check out CS's Instagram and Facebook pages @cmucentralsustainability to stay updated on recent events!

Visit CS's YouTube channel for event recordings and educational videos!

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Central Sustainability The Sustainable Living Guide was created through Central Sustainability, a student-run office dedicated to making the CMU community more sustainable through projects, policy and programming. CS focuses on education, collaboration and institutional growth to better CMU's campus.

This guide is one of many projects. To learn more about our initiatives, visit Central Sustainability's website. If you have any questions, contact sustainability@cmich.edu!