written in part by ETSP student Cory C
Here again to spill the beans and raise awareness about Cascadia’s Sustainable Secrets! In preparation for Earth Month 2023, we’re looking back in this blog at some of the ways Cascadia/UW Bothell is building a community around environmental sustainability. From the wetland restoration to providing habitat for native bees to thrive in, the Cascadia Community are showing its commitment to sustainability through environmental action right here on campus.
So yeah, here at Cascadia we’re passionate about the environment. But keep in mind, Sustainability isn’t just about protecting Mother Earth. In addition to protecting our natural resources, we also need to ensure social and economic resources are available to people in need. After all, how can anyone who is struggling to meet their needs or battling for their basic rights have any fight left for the environment?
A core sustainability concept is a framework called the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). The Triple Bottom Line focuses on People (Social action/Equity) – fairness and opportunity for all humans, Planet (Environment) – pushing our actions to not further harm or damage animals or the natural spaces, and Profit (Economy) – making long term, sustainable actions to maintain our practices. Above all, the Triple Bottom Line focuses on the balance between the three areas. Or as former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon put it, “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight.”
“We All Need Somebody to Lean On.” – Bill Withers
Actively working at finding that balance and connecting all components of sustainability is part of what makes Cascadia special. All of us, from staff and faculty to students and our greater communities, care about elements within the Triple Bottom Line. Cascadia is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on campus, with a focus on supporting students and staff through difficult times. Much of what Cascadia commits to in social efforts is focused on supporting and finding ways to benefit all its stakeholders. Our actions and abilities to help students on their path is why education matters for environmental and social justice; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and building towards a more stable and stronger economy for workers and organizations. It is how we build a better society for everyone.
In case you weren’t aware, some of these efforts in student and community support are highlighted in several programs throughout Cascadia and UW Bothell! For example, The Diversity and Equity Center, located in CC1-002, is a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment that promotes strong social connections and encourages students to be social change agents. They strive to serve students of color, immigrants/refugees, undocumented, underrepresented, and LGBTQI+ QTPOC, and help them towards success at Cascadia College.
Additionally, The Kodiak Cave is the food resource center located at LB2-006 on the Cascadia College campus that directly serves the student body of Cascadia College. Starting in the Fall of 2018, the Kodiak Cave was created to assist Cascadia students experiencing the difficulties associated with food insecurity. Since then, the Kodiak Cave has continued to expand and grow by providing education and fun opportunities for students to learn how to cook and shop in ways that provide the best nutrition while also saving money! We love our students and hope to hear from you soon!
The Cave currently operates as a “choice pantry”, meaning guests will be able to pick the food that best meets their needs. This gives guests dignity and reduces food waste. Head to the website to learn how it works and how you can get food, or donate to the Kodiak Cave!
Just across Campus Way from Kodiak Cave is the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) where you can access support with the Health and Wellness Resource Center (HaWRC). The HaWRC is a one-stop hub connecting students with on-campus and community resources to help you thrive. The HaWRC is committed to advancing health and equity for the Cascadia College and UW Bothell community, so all students are supported in their holistic well-being to persist through college.
Just a few of the support programs available at the HaWRC are, Financial Coaching with FAFSA/WASFA & scholarship assistance; Public Benefits Access – Health insurance, reduced fare bus pass, and food assistance (EBT) enrollment; Free Tax Preparation; Homelessness Prevention & Housing Navigation; and more. To see a full list of ARC and HaWRC programs and offerings, visit the ARC website, or stop by. The HaWRC generally has staff in the office Monday – Thursday from 9 am – 4 pm.
Finally, there is another really important resource we want to your attention. We get it. Life has a way of piling up on you and it’s ok to not be ok. If you find yourself in need of support, Cascadia/UW Bothell provides Counseling Services. Counseling services are available to any student who is struggling with issues including family conflict, divorce, substance abuse, depression, grief and loss, anxiety about academic achievement, and any other issue affecting a student’s mental health. Counseling is confidential, conducted by licensed professionals, and free.
Cascadia College offers counseling services to Cascadia students through a partnership with the UWB Counseling Center. Cascadia College students who are enrolled for the current quarter in session may receive up to 6 free counseling sessions of individual counseling per academic year. The Counseling Center is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, please call 425.352.3183 or send them an email.
- For more information on services, please visit the UWB Counseling Center website.
- Follow this link for additional resources off campus.
So please remember, if you’re ever in need, there are people and programs here to lend support. We hope that now that you are aware of some of these resources you will utilize them. And keep in mind, these are just a few of the services available to you. We encourage you to get out and explore the resources that are available throughout our community. Like Cascadia’s Veterans Resource Center, Academic Support, International Programs Office, and more! These programs and the people who support them are here to foster a welcoming, educational, healthy, accessible, and sustainable environment for all visitors.
Stay tuned for more Sustainable Secrets that aren’t so secret in the next blog post! And spread the word, there are a bunch of Earth Month 2023 events we hope you’ll join us for!
To learn more about Sustainability at Cascadia Follow our sustainability department on social media!
Common Caws – Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter subscription
Be sure to check out the Common Caws Podcast!
Also, visit this page and our outdoor sustainability efforts page regularly to see what our students, faculty and staff are thinking about, talking about, planning, and putting into action. We hope you’ll join us!
We’d love to hear from you! BASSP advisor: Stephan Classen
Integrate It! 