Sustainable Living Classes

Making mindful choices, Finding sustainable alternatives

Sustainable living is for anyone and everyone. It is about making mindful choices, considering the impact of our lifestyles, and finding sustainable alternatives.

Students in the Sustainable Living classes at San Juan College:

• Develop their practical abilities and enhance their understanding of the human impact on the environment from ecological, economic and social perspectives
• Learn what was done in the past, but most importantly, on what can be done now and for the future
• Examine a deep ecological view of the world, learn how a personal practice in green living stimulates real change, and
• Apply their understanding with hands-on practices for living a healthy lifestyle while reducing impact on the environment.

Because sustainable living varies from person to person, the classes are open to the general public.

Students acquire the necessary tools, technology, and knowledge to apply in their living practices. In addition to learning the basic life skills on how to live sustainably, the student will learn the “whys” and “whats.”

Questions will be answered such as:

• Why recycle?
• Why buy local and grow organic foods?
• Why build green?
• What substances are in plastic and shampoo?
• How can I feed myself in alignment with nature?
• What is the value of nature?
• What is sense of place?
• How can I empower my community?
• What are the long term benefits for me, my family, and our global community?

Class Format

Classes are held on the East (Aztec) and Main (Farmington) campuses on Saturdays, with a combination of hands-on, interactive, and online delivery methods. Non-credit workshops are held in partnership with the College’s Center for Workforce Training are also required of credit students, as well as being open to members of the community

Classes, 2010-2011

Benefits

The classes are designed to be practical and to give students skills that can be implemented immediately. By completing the classes, community members gain experience in a diverse range of sustainable practices, and can become mindful and informed citizens as they implement these practices personally, professionally, and in their communities.

Community Partnerships

The classes are funded as part of federal Recovery Act (“stimulus funds”) awarded to schools, colleges, tribes and other agencies to improve energy efficiency across the state. Professionals in the fields of sustainable practices and curriculum development, including Joy O’Neil, a doctoral candidate in sustainability education at Prescott College, and Elisa Bird of Sustainable San Juan, have designed the curriculum to be practical and community-minded.

Tuition

Tuition for New Mexico residents or those in the Colorado border counties is $37 a credit hour, plus $6 a credit hour in fees. Out-of-state tuition is $91 per credit hour, plus $6 a credit hour in fees.

Information

For more information, call 505-334-3831, ext. 201 or email sustainableliving@sanjuancollege.edu.

Register online at www.sanjuancollege.edu or call the Admissions Office at 505-566-3545.