Course

Sustainable Living: Environment I

University of California, Los Angeles

The Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) is a dynamic, student-driven initiative offered through the Institute of the Environment at UCLA. This course features a Speaker Series that invites experts from UCLA and other institutions nationwide to discuss pressing topics in sustainability.

Course highlights include:

  • Food systems
  • Green business
  • Organic gardening
  • The green economy
  • Environmental justice
  • Transportation issues
  • Sustainability projects across Los Angeles

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Course Lectures
  • This module introduces students to the foundational concepts of sustainability, focusing on personal and collective footprints. Scott Sherman leads discussions on empowerment and the importance of individual actions in fostering sustainable practices.

    Key topics include:

    • The significance of personal choices
    • Understanding ecological footprints
    • Strategies for empowerment in sustainability
  • In this module, Michael Cox and D'Artagnan Scorza explore the critical intersection of environmental and social justice. Students will learn about the systemic issues affecting various communities and the importance of equity in sustainability efforts.

    The module covers:

    • Environmental inequalities
    • Community activism
    • Strategies for promoting social justice in environmental contexts
  • Energy in Sustainble Living
    Woodrow W. Clark

    Woodrow W. Clark II presents an in-depth analysis of energy in sustainable living. This module emphasizes the various energy sources available, their impact on the environment, and how individuals can contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

    Topics include:

    • Renewable vs. non-renewable energy sources
    • Energy efficiency practices
    • Future trends in sustainable energy
  • Tim Papandreou discusses the role of transportation in sustainable living. This module examines how transportation systems affect urban environments and explores innovative solutions for reducing carbon footprints through sustainable transportation.

    Key subjects include:

    • Impact of transportation on the environment
    • Public transportation solutions
    • Future innovations in sustainable transport
  • Fran Pavley leads this important module on environmental policy, discussing the frameworks that shape sustainable practices at local, state, and national levels. Students will learn how policies impact environmental outcomes and the role of advocacy in promoting change.

    This module covers:

    • Overview of key environmental policies
    • How policies influence sustainability
    • Advocacy strategies for effective change
  • This module focuses on "Student Activists, Initiatives, and Beyond," highlighting the contributions of student-led movements in sustainability. It emphasizes the power of youth activism and the impact of initiatives within communities and beyond.

    Key points include:

    • Successful student-led initiatives
    • The role of activism in sustainability
    • Ways to get involved and make a difference
  • Led by Andy Lipkis, this module addresses the critical issues of water management and urban runoff. Students will learn about sustainable water practices and the challenges faced by urban areas in managing water resources effectively.

    Topics discussed include:

    • Urban runoff issues and solutions
    • Water conservation strategies
    • The importance of sustainable water management
  • Sustainable Systems
    Jules Dervaes

    This module introduces Jules Dervaes, who shares insights on "Sustainable Systems." It focuses on integrating various systems for sustainable living, including food production, energy, and community engagement, to create holistic sustainability practices.

    Key elements include:

    • Understanding sustainable systems
    • Integrating food, energy, and community
    • Practical applications for sustainable living
  • In this concluding module, Stacey Malkan and Ferris Kawar address consumer awareness and choice in sustainable living. The focus is on how informed choices can lead to more sustainable consumption patterns and the importance of ethical consumerism in environmental advocacy.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding consumer impact on sustainability
    • Strategies for making informed choices
    • The role of consumer activism