Our endless growth economy has led to rampant overproduction and pressure to constantly consume, driving destructive resource extraction, pollution, and waste and contributing to the climate and extinction crises. With a transient student body coming and going each year, colleges and universities are well acquainted with the resulting over-abundance of things and the unequal distribution of them. Increasingly, people are turning to solutions that emphasize sharing, mutualism, and co-operation and exploring alternative economies that center health, well-being, and equity.
This presentation will share stories and examples from these movements. From borrowing systems like Libraries of Things to pack-out programs and free swaps, there are a multitude of ways institutions of higher education can implement sharing, re-use, and redistribution on campus. This presentation will highlight the role of our current economic system in the climate crisis and propose solutions that address this connection.
Presenters
Malia Becker, Organizer, Center for Biological Diversity
Malia Becker leads creative outreach campaigns at the Center for Biological Diversity addressing the intersection of endless growth, reproductive health, inequitable consumption, and the wildlife extinction crisis. She manages two campaigns focused on alternative economies and reproductive rights: Simplify the Holidays and Endangered Species Condoms. Before joining the Center, Malia worked in healthcare patient access and administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in geography and public health.
Chandler Poole, Alternative Economies Fellow, Center for Biological Diversity
Hello! My name is Chandler Poole! I am a fellow under the guidance of the Center for Biological Diversity. My role as a fellow involves learning more about alternative economies, specifically solidarity economies, and their benefits for environmentalism. I am currently working on a project to create a Library of Things on University of North Florida campus. My hope is not only it’s immediate success, but to also lay down the ground work for more LoTs across the country!
Ben Auger, Facilities Engagement Coordinator, George Mason University
Ben Auger (he/they) is a higher education professional with 10+ years of experience, presently working as the Engagement Coordinator for the Marketing & Communications team in the Facilities department at George Mason University. He facilitates engagement between the university community and Facilities to increase awareness about and engagement with Facilities’ many opportunities and resources. He also provides strategic engagement support to Facilities colleagues across 16 teams to amplify the impact of various engagement-focused activities and initiatives. Prior to this role at George Mason, he worked in various sustainability positions with Facilities’ University Sustainability team. Before joining George Mason, he worked as a student affairs professional at two public, 4-year higher education institutions. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and history and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
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