CMU Sustainable Living Guide

2022 Edition

SUSTAINABLE LIVING GUIDE An introductory guide to campus life: BY students, FOR students Central Sustainability

CONTENTS 4 5

What is sustainability?

Environmental & Economic Sustainability 7 15 17

Waste Reduction Resource Conservation Parks and Recreation

19 Social & Cultural Sustainability 21

Sustainable Communities

22

Intergroup Dialogue

23

Get Involved

25

Sustainability & Equity

27

Health & Resilience

29

Environmental Justice

31

Civic Engagement

33

Collaboration

35

Explore Mount Pleasant

37 Summary 38

Sustainability Resources

INTRODUCTION

A

t Central Michigan University, 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 - for the health of our community and planet.

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 awardwinning composting programs.

One year later, CMU rose as an institution from a “silver” standing (~56% sustainable) to a “gold” standing (~65% sustainable), according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability Education (AASHE), the leading international body in higher education sustainability efforts.

And most recently, Central Sustainability received the AASHE 2021 Sustainability Leadership award for student talent and ingenuity. For these efforts, we also received the 2021 Sustainability Public Education Award from the U.S. EPA.

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

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.

With Central Sustainability, a platform dedicated to pursuing sustainabilityoriented projects, we’re committed to raising awareness on the multi-faceted nature of sustainability.

That’s why we’ve created this CMUfocused Sustainable Living Guide, which takes a number of big concepts and breaks them down into small, bite-sized tips on how to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Together, we will learn more about sustainability, relevant campus resources, sustainable lifestyles, and how to build genuine, resilient 2 communities.

Show your commitment to people and the planet - scan the QR code and take the CMU Sustainability Pledge!

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 most common and most associated with the term “sustainability.” Environmental sustainability focuses on the wise use of natural resources and the implementation of practices that can continue indefinitely.

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 introduce and explore these ideas by: • Explaining CMU’s waste reduction infrastructure (pages 7, 13) • Giving tips on how to implement best waste practices (pages 9-12, 14) • Covering resource conservation, including water, energy, food, and transportation (pages 15-16) • Sharing opportunities for parks and recreation in the area (pages 17-18)

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Explore different types of sustainability on-campus through our virtual Sustainability Walking Tour!

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, most materials in landfills could be diverted –either through recycling, composting or upcycling (EPA 2018). 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 Central Michigan University,

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we have the existing 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. Although we have no official numbers, 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, CMU Facilities Management often puts on programming and hosts opportunities for students to participate and reduce their waste. Residence halls sometimes 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, Facilities Management regularly hosts events such as electronic recycling drives or pumpkin composting opportunities.

In the spring of 2021, CMU recycled nearly 8,000 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 Facilities Management or student organizations.

Be on the lookout for these opportunities by following the social media pages of RSO’s 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!

1

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!

2

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.

3

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

You can find cheap and affordable reusable or biodegradable products for virtually anything! It’s a small but effective investment in reducing your waste and helping the environment.

Scan the QR code for more ideas!

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 res halls (pictured here).

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

WHERE DO I DISPOSE...

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 cannot be recycled in the maroon tanks, all residence halls and most university 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. It’s better to search online how to dispose of specific medications. Meijer has kiosks to drop off prescription drugs safely.

PIZZA BOXES Due to grease and oils, pizza boxes are NOT recyclable however, they can be composted! CMU residence halls and most university 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 oncampus eateries is composted. On average, we save 300 tons of organics from landfills every single year.

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

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

After taking food waste to Morgan’s Composting, CMU buys it back in the form of compost to fertilize on-campus shrub beds.

Every summer, the Jack Saunders Marching Band Field is replenished with compost from our very own food waste.

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.

DIY COMPOST

Scan the QR code below 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 or apartment

2.

Use minimal heating and cooling

3.

Look out for “ghost” electronics or devices that are draining power, even when turned off. Avoid power drains by unplugging unused electronics

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

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.

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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 about one mile west of campus, most commonly accessed at the western end of Center Drive. It was donated to the university in 1971, but it’s 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 Chipp-A-Waters Park is connected to Veits Woods, but it can also be reached off of W 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 also 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 PARKS ~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, but 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 Sustainability Social Sustainability: Definitions for social sustainability vary across sources, but we describe it as 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.

In this section, we will introduce and explore these ideas by: • Emphasizing community (page 21) • Stressing the need for dialogue and communication (page 22) • Sharing tips and networks for finding community at CMU (pages 23-24) • Explaining the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (page 25) • Sharing resources on how to stay healthy and happy (pages 27-28) • Diving into environmental social issues (pages 29-30) • Highlighting tools for taking action (pages 31-32) • Sharing examples of collaboration at CMU (pages 33-34) • Exploring place-based connections (pages 35-36) 19

Natures in Marketplace by Fritz Rock Take the CMU Campus Art Tour to understand the connections between sustainability and art, as well as see some of the amazing art we have on campus!

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Sustainability nearly always comes back to communities. We define sustainable communities as interdependent, diverse, and selfsustaining ecosystems. These systems offer internal support, center around a shared experience, and promote a common goal.

We believe 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.

INTERGROUP DIALOGUE WHAT IS DIALOGUE? Intergroup dialogue is a critical learning process for developing understanding, communication, 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 new 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:

Graphic courtesy of the Institute for Transformative Dialogue

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WHERE TO START...

IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING 1.

Attend Community Council 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, visit Engage Central for the full list

2.

Attend campus events, which you can find 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 MOUNT PLEASANT COMMUNITY 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

GET INVOLVED JOIN AND SUPPORT RSOs Regardless of your field of study, CMU has a number of RSO’s dedicated to making a more sustainable world.

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 RSO’s and personalize the search to find student groups that suit your interests on Engage Central!

SUSTAINABILITY RELATED RSOs Since we’ve defined sustainability so broadly, many RSOs would be considered sustainability related. We’ve highlighted a few below that are especially involved in sustainability on-campus.

• Central Votes

• Refugee Outreach Collective

• CMU Sierra Club

• Student Environmental Alliance

• CMU Student Government Association

• Take Back the Tap

• Geography and Environmental Studies Club

• Wildlife Society 24

SUSTAINABILITY & EQUITY Earlier in this guide, we described sustainability as intersectional and a tool for ensuring a just and environmentally sound planet. In this section of the guide, we 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 cannot be achieved without social awareness and cultural understanding. We need to support and develop resilient local efforts, 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.

DIVERSITY RESOURCES Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity Bovee UC 319 989-774-3700

The Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity, located in the Bovee University Center, houses Multicultural Academic Student Services, Native American Programs, the Office of LGBTQ+ Services, Student Transition Enrichment Program, and the Institute for Transformative Dialogue.

Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Warriner Hall 319 989-774-3700

The Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers campus-wide programs and activities for students, faculty, and 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 306 989-774-3700

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.

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

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

The Office of 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 can be used interchangeably as they’re both focused on building sustainable communities.

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 are here for you!

STUDENT SUCCESS RESOURCES If you’re interested in learning more about CMU’s academic and professional resources, check on these services on Central Link:

• Academic Advising

• Office of Student Success

• Career Development Center

• Volunteer Center

• Ombuds Office (mediation services)

• Wellness Coaching

Scan the first 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 ACTIVITIES CENTER (SAC) The Student Activities Center offers a variety of facilities centered on fitness and wellness.

The SAC is a functioning 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 your 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 issues and social ones

is segregated and so “ America 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, Father of Environmental Justice

The U.S. Environmental Protection agency defines Environmental Justice as the: treatment and meaningful “ ...fair involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

“

Visit the EPA website for the full definition and history of Environmental Justice

A

ccording to Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, environmental 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 also signed into law in 1994 through executive order by the Clinton administration. Now overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this law guarantees fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Connecting environmental justice and cultural sustainability 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 issues and solutions.

“

Acknowledging a Place, Honoring a People We wish to recognize the Anishinaabe people whose traditional land we are gathered upon today and the land on which the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe have resided on for over 200 years.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honoring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial (existing since beyond the reach of memory).

It is important to understand the longstanding history that has brought us to reside on the land, and to seek to understand our place within that history.

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 cannot be accomplished without the inclusion and empowerment of indigenous peoples.

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“

We 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.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Throughout it all, 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 volunteering, activism, getting involved in local government, staying engaged with the news, writing your representatives, and most directly, voting.

Inform ter a Vo

n tio

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

MI

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

Try to accomplish all of the following

CIVIC GOALS:

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

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

Volunteer with a community organization

Vote in a local, state, and national election

Attend a Mount Pleasant City Commission meeting

Attend a Citizenship Crash Course event to learn more civic skills

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 civics skills to the campus community. Central Civics is a resource for students who want to learn more about the democratic process like 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 a registered student organization 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, we’ve 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, we would like to highlight some specific partnerships developed through a mutually shared goal to better our communities and planet.

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Andahwod Continuing Care Community & the Saginaw Chippewa Academy CMU has worked with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College and Tribe to implement two different food recovery projects. The first was at the Andahwod Continuing Care Community, and the second was at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy. Between these two projects, we’ve diverted over 6,000 pounds of food waste from landfills.

Ethnobotanical Garden Central Sustainability worked with students from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College to plant a Three Sisters garden on campus. The Three Sisters (corn, squash, and beans) are a combination of three plants 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.

Mount Pleasant community groups Citizens’ Climate Lobby Central Sustainability worked with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby to host the 2020 Central Michigan Climate Solutions Summit, recruit volunteers, and organize various events.

External partnerships Michigan Campus Sustainability Collective Central Sustainability sits on the MICSC, a group composed by sustainability directors from 30 Michigan colleges and universities.

The group shares resources and collaborates on state-wide projects.

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum CMU is a member of the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, which promotes business practices that advance climate leadership, community resilience, social justice, and the creation of a circular economy.

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EXPLORE MOUNT PLEASANT WHY YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW MOUNT PLEASANT Finding or creating community can often mean connecting to a place, so as a student at CMU, getting to know Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area can help you feel connected and make a home for yourself. In 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, we recommend 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.

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.

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 on 410 W Broadway St. 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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Sustainable Living Guide Summary Types of Sustainability: In this guide, we discussed a number of different types of sustainability, ranging from environmental, economic, social, cultural, and even human.

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

Key Takeaways: • Sustainability is about way more than protecting an abstract idea of “the environment.” The environment is the space we inhabit -- 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 - look for ways in which you can reduce your environmental impact through reducing waste and conserving resources.

• Contribute to healthy and sustainable communities - get involved and get 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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Sustainability Resources Visit the Central Sustainability website to learn about all CMU’s sustainability initiatives!

Show your commitment to people and the planet, take the CMU Sustainability Pledge!

View past sustainability reports and documents for CMU sustainability data!

Check out our YouTube channel for event recordings and educational videos!

Credits: 2022 guide created by Teresa Homsi, Central Sustainability _____

Central Sustainability This Living Guide was created through Central Sustainability, an office dedicated to making the CMU community more sustainable through projects, policy, and programming. We focus on education, collaboration, and institutional growth to better our campus.

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