What I stand for is what I stand on: A conversation with Corrina Fowlow on environmental sustainability
Author: Emily Nguyen
“The Earth is what we all have in common.”
Wendell Berry
Since October 1998, the American Geosciences Institute has organized Earth Science Week to help the public develop a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year’s Earth Science Week will focus on the theme “Earth Materials in Our Lives,” specifically, the ways that Earth materials impact humans and the ways human activity impacts these materials.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Corrina Fowlow, a 4th year student at the University of Toronto double majoring in Immunology and Global Health. With her passion for environmental sustainability, Corrina provided insight into her environmentally mindful practices and offered some suggestions for individuals who are interested in getting involved with the movement.
What got you interested in sustainability?
In the summer after Grade 12, I became very connected with the environment through hiking. After hiking, I began to ask myself why I didn’t do it before! It allowed me to appreciate nature and get out of the city. I was also packing for my move from Calgary to Toronto for university. I had to cram everything I wanted to take into 2 suitcases. This sparked my interest in minimalistic thought.
Ultimately, Corrina cites this transformative summer as the reason for her interest in nature and minimalism. Minimalism is a mindset that focuses on decluttering one’s life. An example of this practice involves minimizing one’s wardrobe and keeping only a few important and essential items.
“I can live with less, to benefit the nature I love so much.”
What are some ways you have lived or changed your lifestyle to be mindful of our planet?
I did the 30 Day Simplify Challenge, which is an exercise that focuses on decluttering and practicing minimalism. I employed it in all aspects of my life from my wardrobe to my books and papers. I also started gardening in my 3rd year of undergrad. This enabled me to be more mindful of food-related environmental initiatives.
To foster her gardening practices, Corrina joined the University of Toronto “Dig In!” Campus Agriculture Network which is a group that exists to support, empower and grow small-scale, sustainable food production at the university. They maintain five demonstrative food gardens on campus and provide programming related to urban agriculture and food issues for both students and community members. When asked about her favourite aspects of the programming, Corrina highlights the group harvests where members take produce home and make community meals together. This activity fosters solidarity and mutuality within the local environment and is an important aspect of urban planning.
“Individual decisions that foster sustainability make you feel good, but there needs to be big changes made to produce a noticeable postive impact. Changing your lifestyle can be beneficial for getting you in the proper mindset however, large-scale issues need to be targeted with environmental policy from higher-level government.”
Corrina is also part of the University College (UC) Sustainability Commission, which is a student-led group that is part of the University College Literary and Athletic Society. She joined the group in first year and has remained a general member ever since. The group’s main initiative is to make the UC community more vibrant, green, and environmentally responsible through encouraging the use of more sustainable practices. They run several campus events throughout the year including waste free socials, Friday for Future marches, petitions, and seeding workshops in partnership with University of Toronto agricultural groups. In the current pandemic, the UC Sustainability Commission has shifted their focus to delivering informative and engaging webinars on sustainable topics, for instance new and greener urban planning. Students and community members can attend and hear professors and researchers speak about the important work being done in the field. Their next webinar is scheduled for October 21, 5:00 to 7:00 PM EST. You can check out their Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events!
Do you have any suggestions for someone who wants to make a positive impact on the Earth but doesn’t know where to start?
It is easy to feel overwhelmed. I would suggest to start with educating yourself on the issues the Earth currently faces, and most importantly, go vote! Understand the policies that are currently in place and identify what you do and don’t agree with. Go march, sign petitions, get involved in local activism, and join commissions. There’s lot’s of things you can do at the local level too. For instance, using a reusable mug at Starbucks and incorporating minimalism into your daily life.
Ultimately, environmental sustainability is not an all or nothing pursuit. There are so many ways to get involved with the movement. The small scale practices can add up to make a big difference. In the end, a combination of activism and education will transform the collective mindset and push us towards a greener, more sustainable future. After all, the Earth does so much for us and in the words of Ernest Hemingway, “the Earth is a fine place worth fighting for.”
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