Kristi Straus, Ph.D, a lecturer for Environmental Studies at the College of Environment, University of Washington, teaches about sustainability and practices it in her daily life; today she spoke on King 5’s New Day Northwest about ways that everyone can weave sustainability into their lifestyle.

Watch the New Day segment and learn some of Dr. Straus’s tips on everyday actions citizens can consider to lessen their environmental impact.

Practicing sustainability, in the classroom and beyond

In her Environmental Studies (ENVIR 239) class Sustainability: Personal Choices, Broad Impacts, Dr. Straus breaks down what sustainability means and why it is important, and sets up a series of sustainability activities so students can experience their own personal impact. For example students learn about the American waste system and carry their trash for a week, as well as reflect on their food consumption, designing their rules for one week of sustainable eating. The goal is for students to understand how their way of life will impact future generations.

One student was so inspired by the class she took it upon herself to experiment with a zero-waste lifestyle and continues to find ways to embrace sustainability, through her food consumption, and purchasing habits.