People often wonder what exactly sustainability is. It can mean a number of things and can be applied to every aspect of life. Sustainability is not only about the environment but about the community as well. Living a sustainable lifestyle means that you reduce your amount of consumption, reuse items, recycle waste, use energy efficient products, use public transportation more often, be involved in carpooling, stick with an electronic item for no less than two years, buy more organic foods from small family farms, and give back to the community. Volunteering is a great way to practice sustainability within a community.
One example of this in the George Mason University community would be to volunteer at the greenhouse. The greenhouse is full of interesting and exotic species of plants. It is a place where students and faculty can relax after a busy day. Also, it is a place of continuous learning. One can learn about many different plant species and their attributes as well as how to manage them in a sustainable manner. For example, practicing pest management without the use of pesticides and practicing learnt watering techniques. A golden principle to remember with watering is that plants would fair better with under watering rather than with over watering. Over watering a plant can cause fungal diseases to appear and attack the root of seedlings and make adult plants much weaker, hence yield less vegetation. The art of watering deals more with the frequency rather than the amount of watering. If watering potted plants, the soil should be watered until water is dripping from underneath through the holes of the pot. Afterwards, the plants would not need to be watered until the soil becomes very dry. One can test the dryness of soil by placing a finger one the soil and feeling to see if the soil is moist or dry within one inch depth. Also, plants must be fertilized every watering period about once a week depending on the plant.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/quickref/houseplants/watering.html
The George Mason University greenhouse provides great experience with ecology for those interested and a place of relaxation for those looking to wind down. Other similar opportunities include volunteering for both the Potomac Heights Vegetable Garden and the Innovation Food Forest. Not only will those volunteering learn more about permaculture (sustainable and organic agriculture) but they will also enjoy the fruit of the profit after harvesting season! Below are links with more information on volunteering times.
https://www.facebook.com/gmugarden
http://gmugarden.wordpress.com/
http://esp.gmu.edu/facilities/greenhouse/
http://green.gmu.edu/campussustainability/phvgarden.cfm
Other ways that students can volunteer are to come by the Catholic Ministry on Roberts Road to help prepare food for the homeless. This happens every other Thursday from 19:45 until 22:00. It is a great way to meet new people, learn new culinary dishes, and best of all help those in need. There are so many different events and activities on campus where students can practice sustainability and make a positive impact doing so. Be proactive and adventurous! Step out of your room and volunteer!
