What is Sustainability?
The most widely accepted and used definition of sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability is about more than increasing recycling. It is about finding a balance that allows us to foster environmental, social and economic sustainability in a way that will preserve natural resources and enhance communities around the world for generations to come.
While many of our campus programs focus on environmental stewardship, we also strive to promote values such as community service and engagement, support our local economy with our purchasing choices, provide sustainable compensation to our employees, and ensure that inclusive engagement is a priority, not only on our campus, but in our community as a whole.
Discover a few of the ways MSU is advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability:
- The Geography and Sustainability Major, a program that provides students with hands-on experience working with sustainability in the field, through labs, and with Geospatial technology.
- The Sustainability Minor, an interdisciplinary program that allows students to expand their knowledge on sustainability topics and compete in this growing field.
- The Student Sustainability Fund, which provides nearly $150,000 dedicated to sustainability projects on campus.
- The MSU Campus Garden, which is managed by students and provides all-natural produce to students, faculty, staff and community members.
- The Hydration Stations located across campus, which have collectively saved over 3 million water bottles from being used and sent to the landfill.
- Recycling locations all over campus.
Check out our Sustainability Brochure for more information about our sustainability programs and initiatives on campus.
Do you have a Sustainability Team in your Office?
The Sustainability Teams program gives Missouri State University employees an opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint of their office or department and the campus as a whole. Learn more about the Sustainability Teams program, see a list of existing Sustainability Teams or find out how to create a team.
Donate
Show Your Support by making a Tax-Deductible Donation to the MSU Fund for Sustainability
News
- Water conference highlights infrastructure and regional water efforts
Tuesday September 17, 2024 at 2:45 p.m.Learn how water impacts our future at this annual event. - MSU recognized for environmental-friendly actionsTuesday April 9, 2024 at 9:43 p.m.The Arbor Day Foundation acknowledges the university’s beautification and conservation efforts.
Sustainability Blog
- Congratulations to Dr. Jahnke!Wednesday December 11, 2024 at 4:31 p.m.
She begins a new, very important role on December 21st
The post Congratulations to Dr. Jahnke! appeared first on Sustainability Blog.
- Update your fall wardrobe sustainably
Monday October 14, 2024 at 9:19 p.m.Updating your fall wardrobe doesn’t have to drain your bank account and it can even be sustainable! Fall is underway. The leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting cooler. Sweaters and jackets are becoming a necessity and if you, like many of us, find yourself lamenting the condition of […]
The post Update your fall wardrobe sustainably appeared first on Sustainability Blog.