NOVA Supports Commonwealth in Sustainability Efforts

April 22 is Earth Day, and this year’s theme is “Together, We Can Restore Our Earth.” The first Earth Day was held in 1970, and more than 50 years later, concerns about our impact on the environment and our responsibilities to future generations are even more urgent.

Leading up to Earth Day, last month, NOVA held our annual Green Festival, which focuses on the connections between humans and natural processes. It included sessions on “leave no trace” principles, environmental restoration and beekeeping, in addition to a keynote addressing the importance of keeping our oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water clean and accessible. At NOVA, sustainability is a year-round effort, and more information on our college’s and colleagues’ work can be found on the Sustainability website or from our Sustainability Director Rob Johnson.

Recently, in support of the Commonwealth’s sustainability goals, Governor Northam signed Executive Order 77, which calls on Virginia state agencies, including higher education, to eliminate the use of single-use plastics. Colleges have 120 days to end the purchase and sale of disposable plastic bags, single-use plastic/polystyrene food containers, plastic straws and utensils, and single use plastic water bottles. Administrative Services is currently working with all of our vendors and contractors to ensure that they are in compliance with the Executive Order as we return for fall, and you will begin to see changes in packaging at NOVA’s dining services and bookstores.

In addition, the Executive Order calls on all state agencies to develop Plastic Pollution Reduction Plans that provide a gradual reduction in the “buying, selling or distribution of all non-medical single-use plastic and expanded polystyrene objects.” By 2025, the expectation is that there will be no such items purchased, sold or otherwise distributed by state agencies. The Governor has also called upon the Secretary of Education to join with other cabinet members to develop additional recommendations for reducing solid waste and reducing landfills.

In Virginia and at NOVA, together, we truly can and will make a difference this Earth Day and beyond.

Submitted by:
Anne Kress, President, presidentsoffice@nvcc.edu