The Environment or Economic Growth … Or Both?

In 2015 at the University of Louisville, Justin Mog, the assistant provost for sustainability initiatives, gave a Tedx Talk entitled “The Myth of Environmental Sustainability.” His speech focused on the environmental implications of human behavior, and he focused on what taking steps towards true sustainability should actually look like.  “Basically since the late 60s or so, we as a species have been living far beyond our means” Mog said. “It is as though we were

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Rural Communities

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected communities across the globe and presented  them with many challenges. Rural communities are facing unique challenges in response to the virus. Many residents are already plagued by economic instability and health-related issues, and the COVID-19 outbreak is not helping. The risks and challenges that are unique to rural communities mean their needs might get left behind in legislation or funding for treatment and care. Despite rural communities having less people,

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Sustainability in a Post-Covid World

While the effects of Covid-19 on the planet and people may vary widely, it is clear that it has and continues to leave a significant impact. The almost total shut down of many industries has dramatically decreased air pollution and fostered a resurgence in nature. Images of wildlife reclaiming popular tourist sites and major cities prove that change is possible. Yet, as we enter a Post-Covid world it remains unclear what this new normal will

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Functional Farming: Integrated Agricultural Systems

Integrated Agricultural Systems are a sustainable practice that has economic, environmental, and social benefits. This farming technique is a “whole system” approach that utilizes existing biological relationships (Agriculture Sustainability Institute). It builds upon the concept of agroecology, which is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems and practices.” (Oxford Dictionary) The goal of integrated agricultural systems is to minimize the amount of impact the agricultural process has on the environment while maximizing production yield.

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The Wonderful World of Zero-Waste

In April, I left my Program Development Internship at Profugo to embark on a wild, wonderful, and transformative summer journey: working in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is a rugged land, and without a doubt the truest wild I’ve ever experienced. The park consists of six million acres of rolling tundra, craggly peaks, and nameless rivers. It is home to moose, caribou, foxes, lynx, arctic ground squirrels, grizzly bears, and dall sheep. Denali

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