FGCU

I personally believe that FGCU is doing a very good job modeling sustainability. I believe that in the past two years FGCU has made a major effort to increase their sustainability cause. I know that my first two years at FGCU, I honestly did not even know that the school was considered a "sustainable or green" school. It was not until I took issues in science and tech that I realized the efforts of FGCU. I then started to notice certain aspects of sustainability. I am not sure if I was ignorant of it for my freshman and sophomore year or if it just was not as obvious.

FGCU models sustainability first and foremost through the immense solar field that was put in last year. While driving down Ben Hill Griffin road the field is in view. While doing my research for our presentation on the chapters I found that FGCU was one of two schools that had solar farms in the United States. FGCU also has trash compactors around campus as well as trash cans for recycling. Campus housing put in new recycling centers as well. I know as a freshman living on campus all trash went to the dumpster and that was it, there were no recycling centers. We learned in class that FGCU is part of a nature preserve program and in order to build on more land they must preserve more land elsewhere. While at times, this may be a hassle for the school, it is great for the preservation of the environment and a great model for other schools.

As silly as it may sound, FGCU also looks sustainable. The campus is built around swampy wetlands. The boardwalks to and from class not only make it a scenic walk but students are more in touch with nature here than other schools. For example, at FSU, UF, or UM campus is mainly a plethora of cement and brick buildings with not much nature. FGCU has strives to make the campus environmentally friendly and I think they do a great job. My friends are always amazed when they come to visit and they see the way our campus looks.

Overall, FGCU does a great job modeling sustainability. I believe that the colloquium class is important for all students to take so they know the importance of preserving and restoring our environment. I know many students complain about having to take the class but I believe ecological literacy is a must for all college students today. Education means power, and it is the only way things will change.