Austin Rieger

I will work from home 5 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

Between record heat waves, horrific smoke and debilitating drought, we are all experiencing the anticipated effects of climate change first-hand. And while the situation is clearly dire, there is still opportunity to rewrite our climate future. Geology professor Hal Wershow will examine how our climate in Central Oregon has already changed and then share projections for what we can expect for the rest of the 21st century. After reviewing the science, he will transition into climate resilience; in other words, what can we do in our community to diminish the worst impacts and adapt to the inevitable changes. Tickets: $8 for in-person event, $5 for livestream. COCC students and staff are FREE. Email cgilbride@cocc.edu for promo code.

A 9-acre parcel near the Cascade Culinary Institute will be developed into housing units next spring, so we will be transplanting native plants and grasses to other areas of the COCC campuses.

https://www.cocc.edu/home/events/indigenous-peoples-day.aspx

A story of man-made crisis of plastic pollution. A free documentary on YouTube.

Read about a student led action plan for zero waste reduction. postlandfill.org

"Kiss the Ground" On Netflix A documentary saving the planets top soil and combatting climate change.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

I will spend 25 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

I will spend 25 minutes learning about the experiences of trans, femme, and/or nonbinary people.

I will use the resource links provided and spend 25 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.

Racial inequity is both a sustainability and justice problem. I will support businesses owned by people of color in my community whenever I shop.

I will spend at least 25 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.

Read COCC's guidelines on recycling and waste collections on campus.

COCC is in year 3 of the Energy Trust of Oregon Strategic energy management program. Read the Energy Policy written in 2019.

The 2018-2028 COCC Facilities Master Plan includes overarching Sustainability Vision and Strategy. Read page 28 of the plan.

Did you know that the COCC Sustainability Committee was created in 2011? Read the details here: https://www.cocc.edu/committees/sustainability/sustainability-committee/default.aspx