Environmental and sustainability work often ties to people's individual actions. Whether it's trying to get people to recycle, or bike instead of drive, to by food at a local farmer's market rather than pre-packaged from a corporate food producer. There's a lot of layers of context behind why we make certain choices. There's our own beliefs, values, motivations, and worldview. But there's also the social systems that surround us - incentives and barriers, both visible and hidden.

Of course we want to see more people make more environmentally friendly choices. But it's important to acknowledge and understand the complexities. We can't guilt people into eco-friendly choices, but we also can't simply rely on everyone's good intentions to solve the biggest environmental issues of our time. From the scale of the individual all the way to huge corporations, the actions we take depend both on our own free will, but also the structure of the rules we all agree to live by. Those of us pushing for change have to tackle the issue on multiple fronts: building education and awareness, changing the infrastructure of our communities, pushing for policies that actually prevent environmentally harmful activities.

Potluck, Art, and Chili with the EC. Join the Environmental Center for our first all-student gathering of the semester. We will meet in the EC, then go to the Peace Park to share a meal, learn about engagement opportunities, and end the evening with an activist focused art project. The EC will provide art materials, a welcoming space, and a few food items. Feel free to bring your own plate/bowl/cup, some food to share if you are able and inspired to, friends, and your favorite art supplies! ALL students are welcome! 

When: Monday, Sept. 20 at 5:30 PM

Where: Meet in the EC office (Student Union 145). At 5:45 PM we ill head out to the Hespurus Peace Park, so you can also meet us there!

As you probably know, the Sustainability Summit has become one of the highlight annual environmental and sustainability events at Fort Lewis College. It is a chance for students and community members to connect, be inspired, and learn about what is happening at FLC and in our broader region when it comes to sustainability issues and progress. If you care about our planet and want to know how you can get involved to do more, this is the place to be! Oh, and did we mention free food from awesome local businesses?

When: Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 5 - 7 PM

Where: FLC Amphitheater

12 Noon - 2 PM

Shop for clothes, school supplies, and more. All items free!

12 Noon - 2 PM

Join us at the EC Food Forest for a workday. Located just north of Pine Hall. Come for all or just stop by for a few minutes and check out the space.

12 Noon - 2 PM

Join us at the EC Campus Garden for a workday. Located at the north end of the Center of Southwest Studies Lot.

Luke Antonia worked with the EC in the fall of 2020 and partnered with Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) to develop curriculum for high school students, along with volunteering with them in his own time. He's now working for MSI as their Environmental Education Coordinatnewest AmieriCorps member! He is excited to bring his energy, passion, and commitment as an environmental educator in the non-profit sector to expand environmental outreach throughout the San Juans.

Several community organizations are doing awesome work for National Public Lands Day next Saturday! Check out the links below for events hosted by those organizations, or do a quick search for events in your area to see how you can get involved.

For National Drive Electric Week, 4CORE will host a day of EVs at La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 25th from 10 AM- 2 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to engage EV owners about their vehicles. Please bring your drivers license and proof of auto insurance if test drives are available.

The 10th Annual Solar & Net Zero Home Tour is on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 AM - 5 PM. Tour innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable homes around Durango. Want even more? Stay for the Sunset Soirée and music, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres on the stunning patio of this energy-efficient home. 5 - 7 PM. Tickets $12 for the tour $30 to also join the soirée.

For more information and to get your ticket, visit the 4CORE website.

Join the Southwestern Water Conservation District and Four Corners Water Center at Fort Lewis College for this informative review of our regions water issues.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 5 - 8 PM

Where: Fort Lewis College Student Union Plaza and Ballroom

Cost: $15 for in person, free via Zoom. Registration required for both.

For more information and to get your ticket, visit the Four Corners Water Center event page.

Student fees pay for FLC students to ride Durango Transit for free - so make the most of it! Transit is way cheaper and more environmentally friendly than owning a car and driving alone.

Instead of using stickers, students are asked to download at token transit pass to their phone. Just go to tokentransit.com/durangotransit/fortlewis and get yours today!

Share your feedback on the Natural Systems section of the Sustainability Plan the plan at the final public input workshop. Learn more about the plan and how you can provide your input at the City of Durango Sustainability website. Join at DurangoGov.com/Zoom starting at 5:30 PM on Thursday, Sept. 23.

The Durango Farmers Market is a venue for local agriculturalists, artisans, ready-to-eat, value-added, and service vendors to meet and share the fruits of their labor with the community in Durango. Se habla Español!

When: Saturday Mornings from 8 AM to 12 NOON (through Oct. 31)

Where: TBK Bank parking lot (across from the Durango Transit Center)

For more information and updates, visit the Durango Farmers Market website.

Southwest Colorado is FULL of fruit trees, which means that tree owners often end up with unharvested fruit going to waste and attracting bears. It's not too early to list your tree today on the Good Food Collective Fruit Tree Registry so that fruit-loving community members can contact you to schedule a time to come help harvest! If your fruit isn't ripe yet, you can indicate the estimated date that fruit will be available. Help reduce food waste, save bears, and feed community!

Questions? Learn more about our Gleaning Program by clicking below! Or give them a call at (970) 403-5347 or email info@goodfoodcollective.org

Hey there campus and community organizations! We pride the EC Digest in being an excellent resource for students and community members looking for jobs, internships, and other opportunities in this field. We believe in the power of strong social networks to share this important information.

Know of an opportunity? Be sure to email it to Marty Pool, EC Assistant Director, at mlpool@fortlewis.edu