Davis College
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Are you living a sustainable lifestyle? Can you do better? And why does it matter? West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences will help students answer these questions while earning credit in a new course to be offered in the fall semester of 2009.

The course, “Sustainable Living,” will cover the principles and practices of sustainability, making the best use of available resources with the least impact on your environment.

“This course will explore the personal, social, and environmental aspects of making sustainable choices in your everyday life,” said Alan Collins, professor of agricultural and resource economics in the Davis College. In order to reflect the many different perspectives of sustainability, five instructors from different disciplines will be involved. Joining Collins will be:

• Cheryl Brown, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics: Brown will cover topics related to consumerism and consumer choices, food, and recycling.
• Chris Haddox, visiting assistant professor of design studies: Haddox will focus on the built environment by examining site, water, energy, material, and indoor air quality issues. He also will discuss local volunteerism.
• Jim Kotcon, associate professor of plant pathology: Kotcon will cover sustainable agriculture, assessing environmental impacts, and carbon footprint plus sustainability calculators.
• Chad Pierskalla, associate professor of recreation, parks and tourism resources: Pierskalla will examine outdoor recreation and “leave no trace” concepts.
• Finally, Collins will discuss energy use and choices, long-term perspectives, and financial planning.

Classes will be located in 1021 South Agricultural Sciences Building on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:45 pm. This three credit hour course is open to all students, who can register under Design Studies (DSGN) 293A (CRN 87786), Plant Science (PLSC) 293B (CRN 87681), or Resource Management (RESM) 293L (CRN 87635).

For more information, contact Alan Collins at 304.293.4832×4473.