New WVU course looks at sustainable living

April 2nd, 2009

Are you maintaining a sustainable lifestyle? Can you do better? And why does it matter?

West Virginia University students will look at these questions and more while earning credit for a new course this fall through the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences.

The course, Sustainable Living, will cover the principles and practices of sustainabilitymaking the best use of available resources with the least impact on the environment.

This course will explore the personal, social and environmental aspects of making sustainable choices in your everyday life,said Alan Collins, professor of agricultural and resource economics.

Five instructors from different disciplines will bring unique perspectives.

  • Cheryl Brown, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics, will cover topics related to consumerism and consumer choices, food and recycling.
  • Chris Haddox, visiting assistant professor of design studies, will focus on the built environment by examining site, water, energy, material and indoor air quality issues. He also will discuss local volunteerism.
  • Jim Kotcon, associate professor of plant pathology, will cover sustainable agriculture, assessing environmental impacts and carbon footprint plus sustainability calculators.
  • Chad Pierskalla, associate professor of recreation, parks and tourism resources, will examine outdoor recreation andleave no traceconcepts.
  • Collins will discuss energy use and choices, long-term perspectives and financial planning.

Classes will be held from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in 1021 South Agricultural Sciences Building. This three-credit hour course is open to all students.

Register under Design Studies DSGN 293A (CRN 87786), Plant Science PLSC 293B (CRN 87681) or Resource Management RESM 293L (CRN 87635).

For more information, contact Collins at ” alan.collins@mail.wvu.edu rel=nofollow> alan.collins@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-4832 ext. 4473.

To learn about other ways WVU is leading the way in the development of sustainable practices, visit http://wecan.wvu.edu/ .