Editorial: Education for the Planet (34.5)

School spirit is flying high this frosh week at the University of Waterloo. Cries of “E-S! E-S!” (Environmental Studies!) resound as orange-T-shirt-clad, first-year students wander by Alternatives’ office. Below the boisterous merriment that characterizes students’ first days at university, however, there is a quieter movement brewing. It is one that brings environmentally conscious individuals together to initiate community gardens and local-food cafés, organize cross-country bicycle trips to support alternative energy, plan green buildings, and set up innovative organizations. The search for this “green spirit” inspired Alternatives’ 2008‑09 Environmental Education Directory.

If there is one thing we have learned, it is that there is more to post-secondary education than getting a degree or diploma. Clubs, groups and other student initiatives do much to shape the nationwide campus sustainability movement. As this year’s updated directory shows, so do exciting field courses, natural areas near campus, environmental events, and student spaces that foster conversation and serve great food.

There is more inspiring environmental action taking place on campuses today than we could describe in a single issue of Alternatives. So we have spotlighted a few of the most unique features of 50 universities, hoping to give you – the potential student – a flavour of what life on each campus is like, and a chance to decide if the school’s green spirit matches yours. Our expanded directory, which lists environmental studies, sciences and interdisciplinary programs, profiles nine universities and 33 programs that were not included last year. We also take a look at PhD programs across the country and examples of unique sustainability initiatives on campuses outside our borders.

We wish you the best in finding that just-right program at that just-right university. Have fun! And please tell us about your experiences, the lessons you learned and what you would like us to include in our next directory.