Growing with the times at WSC

Hands-on Environmental Studies courses at Institute for Applied Sustainability

The environmental studies program at Western State College (WSC) is growing at such a rate that a new hands-on program, the Institute for Applied Sustainability (IAS) is being offered this semester.

Western began its environmental studies major in 2000 with 37 students; 10 years later more than 100 more students have declared the subject as their major, bringing the total to 140. The IAS offers courses in addition to the academic curriculum, offered through the college’s already popular extended studies program.
Last month, the Colorado Straw Bale Association hosted its annual Natural Building Conference at the WSC College Center. The conference was the first major event for the institute, and included workshops, home tours and presentations all related to more sustainable ways of construction.
The IAS offers courses to both community members and WSC students. In addition to the Natural Building Conference, course topics for this semester include solar energy, backyard food production, food preservation, and sustainable building design. Students also can earn a certificate of completion in the program by taking eight courses. Prices range from $80 to $270 per course.
“The main mission for this program is to offer courses outside of the environmental studies curriculum that are hands-on and offer solutions to some of our environmental problems,” said Jonathan Coop, director of the Institute for Applied Sustainability.
“This program will be a place to start thinking about what we need as a society to make a transition to a more resilient and sustainable economy, and our students are very eager to be a part of that,” Coop said. “If a student or a community member wants to learn how to put solar panels on a house, grow food in their backyard, or do an energy audit of their home, they can do that through our program.”
Coop added that the curriculum would be great preparation for someone looking to attain a “green job” down the road.
Colleen Smith, a 2002 WSC graduate, is taking the two courses related to local food production this semester. Smith is also a volunteer with the local Mountain Roots community garden project.
“I’m taking these courses so that I can learn how to grow more and buy less from the store,” Smith said. “To buy organic at the store is so much more expensive, and if I can grow it I can save some money.”
Coop said that one of the reasons behind the program is that many environmental studies students at Western were interested in more hands-on opportunities related to sustainability.
“Our students tend to be very interested in getting out and doing things related to the environment,” Coop said. “They are really passionate about how, as a community, we can become more sustainable and home-grown.”
WSC students, who make up the majority of those enrolled in the courses thus far will take the courses in addition to their regular course load.
The IAS has pooled a wide range of experts from the community to teach the various courses. Community garden aficionados Beth Coop, Rose Tocke and Jan Scheefer are teaching “Basics of Food Preservation.” Jay Pozner and Lena Wilensky of Nunatek Alternate Energy Solutions are teaching “Introduction to Photovoltaics.” Andris Zobs of the Office of Resource Efficiency is facilitating “Sustainable Building Design.” Eric McPhail of the Colorado State University extension office is facilitating “Backyard Food Production.” Local straw bale builder, Steve Schechter led up the Natural Building Conference.
“We’re fortunate to have experts in our community in these areas, and we’re utilizing them to teach many of these courses,” Coop said. “By using local instructors we hope those who take the classes will realize that the solutions to a lot of our environmental problems are right here in our community.”
Most of the courses are still open for registration, and can be accessed online through WSC Extended Studies at www.western.edu/extendedstudies. Extended studies also can be reached at 943-2885.