Credit: Laura Wolf
Laura Wolf is a Law School student and JD candidate for the class of 2013. She is a Green Living Representative for North Hall and the HLS Apartments.
What's your background?
I hail originally from North Jersey—yes, we distinguish between North, Central, and South—but spent two years living among the hills of San Francisco before coming back to Law School. In my time between undergrad and law school I read lots of short stories, learned about good beer, and went to far too many concerts to recollect. (I'm now wondering, why would I ever give that up?!)
How did I first become interested in environmental issues?
I first became interested in environmental issues when I lived in San Francisco. I had no idea there was a whole other world out there, where an entire city would ban the use of plastic bags (though just go to Chinatown for some exceptions to that), where you can buy a friend a Baggu (reusable bag) for her birthday and elicit genuine excitement, and where composting is taken as seriously as finding good beer to drink.
What does "sustainability" mean to you?
To me, sustainability means taking sincere steps towards reducing your waste and consumption, each and every day. So when you go for a walk, you take your water bottle instead of going out and buying some plastic, when you decide to go to the supermarket, you walk or take public transportation instead of driving, and so on. It's the small steps, but if you take them every single day, you can really make an impact. (In fact, the hardest thing for me in traveling to Asia was not being able to drink tap water!)
How are you involved with campus sustainability, and what changes are you excited about making?
I am involved in campus sustainability through my role as a Green Living Rep! Last year, I created the 1st Annual Fashion Swapaganza last year as part of the Womens' Law Association, which was both a Freecycle and a way to give to local shelters in need. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2nd Annual Swap this year! I'm interested in encouraging Caspersen Cafe customers to use re-useable cups and containers instead of disposable.
How do you "live green" in your daily life?
I live "green" by choosing to turn off my power strips when I am not home, not leaving my computer plugged in overnight, using CLEs instead of other lightbulbs, using fabric bags at grocery stores (or not taking a bag if I have forgotten one), and using reusable mugs and water bottles. I also prefer to shop at Farmer's Markets for my produce! When I'm at school, I make sure to compost. These are really simple steps we can all take, and I hope you'll join me!
What's your favorite part about being an HLS student?
My favorite part about being an HLS student is definitely the amazing opportunities we are all exposed to each and every day. Just look at a list of lunch talks for ONE day and you'd be hard pressed to think any of us aren't the luckiest students out there!
