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What Does Sustainability Mean?

Sustainability lies at the core of Patel College, shaping our curriculum and influencing the future paths of our students. Yet, a significant number of students may not grasp the full meaning of "sustainability." When you hear the word sustainable, you might envision something robust and enduring, but its significance extends far beyond that initial impression.

The Meaning of Sustainability

In our consumer-driven society, we relentlessly pursue the latest products and experiences, often influenced by marketing and societal pressures. This quest for novelty can limit our desires and strain finite resources, causing us to overlook the broader implications of our consumption habits. Prioritizing immediate gratification can stifle our potential and overshadow the transformative power of innovation. Sustainability emerges as a crucial counterbalance.

According to Dr. Dorsey, one of our many sustainability professors who is the Director of the Food Sustainability and Security concentration, sustainability is “making sure that what you are working with now can be sustained over a long period of time”. This perspective encourages critical thinking about resource allocation and promotes extending the life of products and essentials by using sustainability to help us measure the resources we need. By adopting sustainable practices, we are able to foster a future defined by thoughtful stewardship rather than mere consumption.

Additionally, sustainability helps address resource depletion and environmental degradation. It drives innovation to reduce waste and enhance efficiency, such as businesses adopting circular economy principles to create reusable or recyclable products. Individuals can also contribute by choosing sustainable brands and reducing consumption. Ultimately, sustainability aims to meet our present needs while protecting the planet and its resources for future generations, balancing the benefits of modern life with responsible stewardship.

Sustainability at PCGS

Specifically at Patel College, our mission is to promote sustainable development on both local and global scales. We are dedicated to enhancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability through a variety of means, including education, research, student mentorship, and community engagement. By generating practical knowledge and pioneering innovative technologies, skills, and policies, we aim to achieve these objectives. Our faculty and students collaborate to tackle intricate challenges related to sustainability at regional, national, and international levels. We aspire to empower our students to innovate across various cultural, geographic, and demographic landscapes. As a small yet significant part of the broader movement, we are committed to fostering a more renewable, sustainable, and valuable planet.

Why is sustainability important?

Striving for sustainability is crucial for securing a viable future for our planet. As climate change and global warming escalate, the urgency to make informed choices for the Earth intensifies, ensuring it remains a livable space. Embracing sustainability enables us to create an environment that supports life and provides us with resources that can last indefinitely. By developing innovative technologies and processes, we can minimize our reliance on nonrenewable resources and transition to eco-friendly, durable alternatives, guaranteeing that we fulfill our needs today and for generations to come.