From climate change to water conservation, from biodiversity declines to ocean warming and acidification, the rap sheet that the current generations in charge of running society are accumulating is extensive and offensive. This list of environmental atrocities continues to pile up in the early part of this 21st century, forming an ever-growing mountain of problems that Generation Z, Generation Alpha and those who follow will be forced to climb out of.
Future generations will be forced to grow food in an unpredictable climate with limited water and soil that has been stripped of its most important nutrients. They will face warmer temperatures and extreme weather events, and they will power their homes and move around the planet using different energy sources from those that got society to this level of development and luxury. They will be surrounded by ecosystems that lack diversity, and likely, many of the charismatic species that have inspired the love of nature in so many people today.
This depiction of the future is, in scientists’ eyes, a best-case scenario. Things could get much worse, which is why ignoring the warnings and failing to act sustainably now is not a game we want to play.
But what if a game could become part of the solution? At McPherson College, students have gamified education through a card game called EcoPyramid to help learn about concepts of ecosystem conservation and sustainability.
Change happens by investing in and inspiring the generations that will lead to the change we need.
What started as a simple activity in a college class grew into a campus-wide project involving students from multiple majors. In a little over a year, EcoPyramid has become a printed game available nationwide. Thanks to support from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, it is also being distributed with corresponding curriculum to all school districts in Kansas in less than a year. EcoPyramid is one of the many small actions that we hope create long-term sustainable change. Fixing societies doesn’t happen overnight.
Change happens by preparing future scientists to understand and respond to our changing and unpredictable environment.
Environmental Stewardship has been a major at McPherson College for 30 years, equipping students with the skills in the natural and social sciences to make a change. Recently, more and more students are coming to college wanting to pursue careers that help address these issues. How exciting — and not surprising. This generation is engaged and excited to take the proverbial wheel and steer us back in the right direction.
McPherson College has responded to this movement by renovating the major, with new classes and experiences centered around its new name: Environmental Sustainability.
Change happens by inspiring all our graduates to be environmental activists wherever they end up fitting into society.
The early coursework for this major has always been intentionally included in the college’s general education curriculum. More than 100 students each year take classes that engage them with environmental issues, challenge them to critically evaluate the problem, and develop innovative and interdisciplinary solutions.
One small goal I have for each of my general education students is to make them environmentally aware and engaged citizens. You won’t adjust your lifestyle when you don’t understand the ramifications of your everyday decisions. Even the smallest adjustments will compound, resulting in larger impacts.
Change happens by making simple small actions a part of campus life and how we operate.
Sustainability is integrated into campus life and guides our actions, campus infrastructure, and behavior. Our small campus is home to over 30 different tree species planted intentionally to maintain both beauty and biodiversity. The campus has removed some of the more invasive and environmentally destructive tree species, such as the Bradford pear.
When building our new campus commons, the design of the building was inspired by recommendations from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guide for green buildings. Many of the components of this initiative were integrated into its construction.
In addition, the campus has invested holistically into recycling thin-film plastics. While historically difficult to recycle, we have joined the NexTrex program, which makes it possible to recycle these landfill-bound waste products. Faculty, staff, students, the cafeteria, and the Church of the Brethren have all bought into this program and have recycled over 2000 lbs. since 2024.
Our environmental philosophy shows that being intentional about making smaller but regular differences can and will result in major change. We still have a long way to go to improve on our campus. Our general recycling program has limits and can get better in ways to encourage students to recycle their commonly used daily plastic, paper, and aluminum products.
I could also do better at creating community relationships with local companies and community members that encourage broader environmental initiatives to lower our collective environmental impact while creating learning opportunities for our students.
Students, alumni, entrepreneurs, company executives, and community members: If you’re interested in the direction we are heading, reach out to me, I want to work with you.
