Face it, we’ve all heard these environmental sayings countless times. And while some of us bob along to the rhythm of these mantras, most of us simply do not. It’s not like when we’re biking we suddenly see part of our carbon footprint disappear right before our eyes. In fact, “being green” can be a very disheartening process and we’re often left wondering, “Does this even make a difference in the grand scheme of things?” But let me assure you, it does.
Three years ago, I was a freshman at the University of Idaho. I distinctly remember walking into Bob’s for the first time and wandering around, completely overwhelmed by how much food there was. As an environmental science student a torrent of questions ran through my mind: Where did all of this food come from? How was it grown? And what’s that fluorescent orange stuff in the cream of corn soup? Little did I know that those burning questions would be the first step to writing a winning student grant funded through the UI Sustainability Center.
To be completely honest, I had never written a grant before. So when I went to the UISC grant info forum, I was a bit apprehensive because I never thought anyone would listen to the bold ideas of a puny, naive freshman. However, after meeting with Jeannie Matheison and other extremely helpful and inspiring staff at the UISC, I soon found myself writing a $3,000 grant in conjunction with the Soil Stewards to build a hoop house – a sort of greenhouse – for their organic farm. And guess what? I did it. I actually got the grant and built the hoop house. I made a real, permanent and sustainable change. Know what’s even crazier? You can do it, too.
I know writing a grant sounds like something technical and stressful, but just know, as long as you have the passion and drive to do something, nothing will stop you. If you have an idea or even the slightest interest in making a change in the world around you, come to the UISC to learn how to write and apply to receive grant money. This is your chance to do something – to make real, permanent and visible change in your world.
So the next time you’re at Bob’s, those carrots or potatoes you’re eating could have come from my hoop house. And maybe someday they’ll come from yours.
Wieteke Holthuijzen can be reached at [email protected]