Across campus, sustainability has become part of daily life with Stanley cups, thrifted outfits, and campus programs that push for less waste. But for many, one question remains: are students being environmentally conscious out of genuine care or because it’s the latest trend?
“I think students do what they can, and I do believe that, over the past several years, student commitment to sustainability and environmental care has indeed increased,” said Dr. June-Ann Greeley, a member of the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice advisory board.
“I can remember when even the idea of recycling plastic bottles was seen as ‘radical’ and now students readily comply with that directive,” said Greeley.
Greeley said younger generations are more aware of the environmental impacts from previous generations.
“My sense is that Gen Z especially is attuned to the needs of the planet as my generation has done so much damage. Young people are much more aware of the fragility of the earth and how damage can last for generations,” said Greeley.
According to Greeley, change begins with daily awareness. Even small steps can help contribute to making a difference.
“One action that I think might be helpful is to cultivate a ‘sustainable’ approach to everything we do,” said Greeley. “Be sure to recycle, support locally sourced foods, reflect daily on our carbon footprint, and think about initiating a thrift store program at the end of the year.”
Senior Paris Sonnenberg, vice president of Community and Unity for Student Government, said sustainable habits are common across campus.
“I’ve noticed students that have been making small but meaningful sustainable habits,” said Sonnenberg. “Almost everyone carries a Stanley or Owala bottle everywhere instead of using single use plastic water bottles.”
Sonnenberg said some choices lean more toward trends than impact.
“I’d like to believe that some students genuinely care about the environment and want to reduce waste, but others are definitely influenced by trends,” said Sonnenberg. “When Owalas started to become more popular, students started to throw away their Stanleys and replace it with an Owala, which defeats the purpose of a reusable water bottle.”
Sonnenberg said social media adds another layer. With new trends popping up frequently, it makes people more likely to partake, even if they aren’t aware of how environmentally conscious they are being.
“Between 2019 and 2021, thrifting was huge,” said Sonnenberg. “Lately, it feels like fast fashion has made a comeback, especially with TikTok micro trends that push cheap, quick styles from places like Edikted or Zara.”
According to Sonnenberg, Student Government contributes to making an effort to increase sustainability on campus. She said Student Government hosts an annual textbook drive which helps in reusing text books instead of going to waste.
“My main motivation is to make education more affordable to students, but it’s also a great sustainability initiative because it encourages reusing materials and reducing waste,” said Sonnenberg.
Dr. Chelsea King, a member of the Laudato Si’ advisory board, said visibility can lead to real progress.
“Trends can be an entry point into deeper awareness,” said King. “What matters is what happens after the trend: does it stay at the level of aesthetics, or does it grow into a genuine sense of care for creation?”
She said the university continues to expand its sustainability work.
“Sacred Heart is taking real, tangible steps. We’ve expanded outdoor spaces, promoted recycling through our SHU RED bins, and we’re building community projects that make sustainability visible,” said King. “The Outdoors Club and Laudato Si’ Office also host events like wellness walks and Earth Week celebrations.”
King said small choices can make the biggest difference.
“Start small. Be mindful. It’s not about changing the entire world overnight,” said King. “When you act from that place of awareness and gratitude, even the simplest choices — a reusable bottle, walking instead of driving, choosing secondhand — become acts of love.”
