On November 30, 2012, I sat down with College of Menominee Nation Student President Schyler Martin to talk a little bit about his view on sustainability. Schyler is a third year student with CMN working toward his Bachelors in Public Administration; he also plans to graduate with an Associates in Sustainable Development. He is a strong advocate of sustainable living and has been active on the CMN campus and with the Sustainable Development Institute.
But don’t let me tell you any more, let’s hear it from the man himself! Here’s what Schyler had to say:
Goodmorning Schyler, Thanks for taking the time to talk to us about sustainability!
“Oh of course. My pleasure!”
“Oh of course. My pleasure!”
Let’s just start off by maybe hearing your definition of sustainability…
“To me, sustainability is living in manner that will not endanger the environmental health of future generations. I know personally that I don’t do everything in my life that I could in order to be completely sustainable. I have, however, done some small things that I believe can add up to making a positive impact. Some of these include having a programmable thermostat in my house, using CFL light bulbs, and car pooling to CMN.”
“To me, sustainability is living in manner that will not endanger the environmental health of future generations. I know personally that I don’t do everything in my life that I could in order to be completely sustainable. I have, however, done some small things that I believe can add up to making a positive impact. Some of these include having a programmable thermostat in my house, using CFL light bulbs, and car pooling to CMN.”
What sort of sustainablility efforts do you see happening here on campus?
“My internship with SDI has allowed me to research and measure the sustainability of many different areas of CMN. Some of the ongoing projects are the addition of the wind turbine by the trades building, LEED shadowing of different building projects, mass transit agreement with Menominee Transit, and the addition of the Geo-Thermal heating unit to Glenn Miller Hall. There’s also a greenhouse that’s being used on campus and I’ve also been involved with CMN’s Adopt a Highway efforts.”
“My internship with SDI has allowed me to research and measure the sustainability of many different areas of CMN. Some of the ongoing projects are the addition of the wind turbine by the trades building, LEED shadowing of different building projects, mass transit agreement with Menominee Transit, and the addition of the Geo-Thermal heating unit to Glenn Miller Hall. There’s also a greenhouse that’s being used on campus and I’ve also been involved with CMN’s Adopt a Highway efforts.”
I didn’t know CMN was involved in Adopt a Highway! Tell me a bit about that.
“We cleaned up both sides of the highway. The first year I participated we got 26 bags of garbage and 24 bags of recyclables. There were car parts like you wouldn’t believe — and lots of things that have no business even being on the side of the road. It is amazing how many people think it is OK to throw their garbage out the window.”
“We cleaned up both sides of the highway. The first year I participated we got 26 bags of garbage and 24 bags of recyclables. There were car parts like you wouldn’t believe — and lots of things that have no business even being on the side of the road. It is amazing how many people think it is OK to throw their garbage out the window.”
Who helps with it?
“When the time of year comes around to sign up, there are flyers posted and e-mails sent out. We try to do it in the spring, after the snow has melted. Anyone can participate. I know of some professors that give extra credit for participating. After the cleanup, usually an hour and half or so, student government takes all of the participants out to lunch.”
“When the time of year comes around to sign up, there are flyers posted and e-mails sent out. We try to do it in the spring, after the snow has melted. Anyone can participate. I know of some professors that give extra credit for participating. After the cleanup, usually an hour and half or so, student government takes all of the participants out to lunch.”
What was it like to intern with the Sustainable Development Institute?
“Interning with SDI has given me the opportunities to not only see what CMN is doing in terms of sustainability, but to see what other opportunities are available. It is often times the “small” projects that get overlooked. Some of these are not as glamorous or do not contain the necessary “buzz” words.”
“Interning with SDI has given me the opportunities to not only see what CMN is doing in terms of sustainability, but to see what other opportunities are available. It is often times the “small” projects that get overlooked. Some of these are not as glamorous or do not contain the necessary “buzz” words.”
What are some of these “small” projects you are referring to?“Small projects would be little things that groups or individuals can do to influence the world in an earth-friendly way. Projects like having “sustainabilty-themed” months or semesters, or changing your habits to purchasing-preferences. Be aware of what you are buying in terms of energy-star ratings or less packaging to go into the landfill. Another one is shareholder advocacy where you can own shares within a company to cast votes influencing earth-friendly decisions for that company.”
Earlier, you mentioned a greenhouse and a wind-turbine. What’s it like seeing that sort of stuff on campus?
“Part of my internship was to help apply the panels to the greenhouse. It was shortly after that that I learned about the wind turbine and the process involved in activating it. These are some of the high visibility projects that are happening on campus. It is good to see more and more students getting involved.”
“Part of my internship was to help apply the panels to the greenhouse. It was shortly after that that I learned about the wind turbine and the process involved in activating it. These are some of the high visibility projects that are happening on campus. It is good to see more and more students getting involved.”
Since December is starting tomorrow, what sort of suggestions would you have for anyone looking to be more sustainable during the winter months or even through the holidays?
“I saw a report on ABC News that suggested everyone should make sure to buy at least one Christmas gift that is made in America. I do not remember how they estimated the impact would be, but I am sure that it would go a long way to boosting the American economy and help support jobs.”
“I saw a report on ABC News that suggested everyone should make sure to buy at least one Christmas gift that is made in America. I do not remember how they estimated the impact would be, but I am sure that it would go a long way to boosting the American economy and help support jobs.”
Anything else you would like to mention?
“I really enjoyed taking time to sit and talk with you today. I hope that I may have inspired at least one person to take into consideration the possible sustainable actions they may take today.”
“I really enjoyed taking time to sit and talk with you today. I hope that I may have inspired at least one person to take into consideration the possible sustainable actions they may take today.”
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