In UFV Speaks, our intrepid reporters pick a topic currently relevant to UFV students or staff, and ask them for their heated opinions to get a real sense of how the UFV population feels about the facts.
I asked some of our student protesters who attended the climate protest outside Abbotsford’s City Hall on Friday, Sept. 20 how they were living out this protest in their everyday lives and if they had any life hacks or tricks for other students who want to go green.
Taelyr Keeley, global development studies major
“I take public transit, I don’t use a car, and I live in a sustainable living project where we have green initiatives, so we reduce, reuse, and recycle. I also try not to use any plastic.”
Jessa Ross, anthropology and sociology major
“I’m a vegetarian; there have been studies that show that cutting out meat, dairy — any animal products — reduces your personal carbon emissions. I’m trying to cut out single-use plastics from my life. Going away from plastic packaging, single-use packaging, the basic recycling, composting. I’m trying to grow some of my own food. When you’re starting out, do a lot of easy swaps, bring your own bags — everything in your life can be changed, it just takes a little bit of gumption and creativity. There is a bunch of information online. Getting together with local environmental groups can be a real morale booster.”
Gurvir Gill, human resources management program
“One of the biggest things for me is meal prepping and using more reusable bags … As well as cleaning up after others. If I see garbage and stuff, I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and pick up after someone else … As well, just educating my own family; my own individual parents come from a culture and background where they may not understand what composting is because it’s not taught, so it’s kind of making sure they’re aware of going green.”
Jessica Smith, double minoring French and geography
“I uninsured my car and I bike everywhere now … I don’t eat meat anymore; at each level the little things kind of add up and matter … I think restoring nature is a huge thing, for people to get on board with doing projects like planting a tree. It sounds so lame, but it helps and it actually doesn’t just help everyone, but it helps your own individual health, like house plants even help.”
Images: Andrea Sadowski/The Cascade
Andrea Sadowski is working towards her BA in Global Development Studies, with a minor in anthropology and Mennonite studies. When she's not sitting in front of her computer, Andrea enjoys climbing mountains, sleeping outside, cooking delicious plant-based food, talking to animals, and dismantling the patriarchy.