A Look into How Green Binghamton Really Is

Author: Eva Mandelbaum

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Robert Holahan

Easel: 45

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: In 1987, the UN defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” College campuses often appear filled with a desire for social change, including climate action and sustainability initiatives. But how much do students know—or care—about the initiatives on their own campus? If people view environmentalism and sustainability as imperative solutions to pressing issues that most people should care about, they are more likely to take action to encourage them. By surveying members of the Binghamton University community, this study gauges public perception of on-campus sustainability and pro-environmental initiatives and programming and what factors impact this perception. This research investigates how on-campus sustainability can be improved and how campus culture can be shifted to better encourage sustainability based on what generally motivates students to care about environmental action.