Hanley Sustainability Institute

By Caroline Deerwester

As a senior at the University of Dayton and a member of the Sustainability Activation Program (SAP) since 2023, I recently completed my final sustainability dialogue. It was a bittersweet moment that made me reflect on the impact of these conversations, not only on the students we engage with, but my own growth in understanding sustainability and environmental justice.

SAP is an initiative dedicated to engaging students of all backgrounds in sustainability education. The program’s Education Team focuses on peer-to-peer learning by providing students with educational materials and facilitating meaningful dialogues. Through these conversations, we aim to help students integrate sustainability into their daily lives, recognize its relevance in their academic disciplines, and contribute to sustainable communities both on and off campus.

Sustainability dialogues are at the core of SAP’s mission. These small-group discussions, held with roommate groups across campus, go beyond discussing recycling or energy conservation. They create a space where students can explore deeper topics like environmental justice, human rights and the systemic issues that shape our world.

One of the most rewarding parts of leading these dialogues has been seeing the way students’ perspectives evolve throughout the conversation. We begin by asking them “what does sustainability mean to you?”

Some students have a solid foundation and reference climate change, renewable energy or sustainable business practices. Others are surprised to learn that sustainability encompasses not just environmental issues but also social and economic justice.

One topic that always sparks meaningful discussion is environmental justice. Many students have heard of the Flint Water Crisis, but they are often shocked to learn about the history of redlining and how it still impacts communities today, including right here in Dayton. Watching students connect these concepts to their own experiences, whether it’s seeing disparities in access to green spaces, higher utility costs in low-income neighborhoods, or increased vulnerability to climate disasters, makes it clear why these conversations matter.

Another highlight of these dialogues is discussing sustainable living habits. Instead of overwhelming students with a long list of things they "should" be doing, we encourage them to reflect on what sustainable actions they already take, whether it’s carpooling, using a reusable water bottle or buying secondhand clothing. From there, we help them identify small, realistic changes they could implement in their daily lives.

As I wrapped up my last dialogue, I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the SAP community and the opportunity I’ve had to be part of these discussions. Sustainability isn’t just about big policy changes or scientific breakthroughs, it’s about the everyday choices we make and the conversations that challenge us to think differently. Through SAP, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create spaces where students feel heard, engaged, and empowered to take action.

Even though my time leading these dialogues has come to an end, I know the impact of these conversations will continue. Sustainability is a lifelong journey, and I’m grateful that SAP has given me the tools and confidence to carry these lessons forward, wherever life takes me next.