A sustainability guide for staying at home during COVID-19

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is atop the list for people across the world. In doing so, many individuals are striving to “flatten the curve” by studying and working from home.

Spending increased time in our living spaces gives us an excellent opportunity to “advance our sustainability values,” says the Radford University Sustainability Leadership Team. To help us do so, the six-member student leadership team has worked together remotely to develop the “Sustainability Guide for Staying Home during COVID-19.”

The substantial list offers helpful environmental, social and economic sustainability tips.

“We had asked ourselves what we could do for our Radford community in this time of uncertainty. Considering those who could or had to work from home, some might need tips how they can effectively and efficiently do so,” said Sustainability Leadership Team member Pat McBride, a senior history major from Sterling, Virginia. “Being informed in situations like this is a key priority, so it seemed like a necessary way in which we could help our community.”

The Sustainability Leadership Team’s guidelines can be found on the Radford University Sustainability website.

“The Sustainability Leadership Team has been working on sustainability projects that will benefit campus and the community since last semester,” said Josh Nease, Radford University’s sustainability manager and Selu academic program manager. “When COVID-19 prevented students from returning to campus and completing their projects, we met virtually and discussed new ideas for remote projects that will still benefit campus and the community. This is one that we decided to do first. This is simply a way that they can continue to serve others who are interested.”

The Sustainability Leadership Team began on campus in 2017 and is composed of an interdisciplinary team of students. In the program, interns increase their understanding of sustainability, complete sustainability projects on campus and become change agents to develop and expand sustainable practices on campus and beyond.

The internship requires approximately four to eight hours per week. Sustainability interns actively collaborate with other interns and partners on important projects like the COVID-19 Sustainability guide, participate in workshops, plan events – such as the annual Earth Day celebration – and the campus chapter of the Food Recovery Network. Interns gain experience, practice professional and project management skills and build their leadership competencies.

The internship is voluntary, not for credit and unpaid. However, individuals can adapt it to meet academic requirements.

Students are encouraged to apply for membership on the 2020-2021 Sustainability Leadership Team. Applications may be completed online at https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/studentleadership.html.