Jackson Community College

JCC offers new course examining sustainability, 'green' living

Jackson Community College will offer students a look at sustainability with a new course to be offered this Fall, Introduction to Sustainability.

Sustainability is a movement concerned with “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This introductory class will examine society's role in living in a sustainable manner, using our natural resources like oil conservatively and shifting to alternative energy technology, in order to leave our children and future generations a better place than what we inherited.

“Right here in Michigan we're seeing major changes in the environment and in the economy. It is essential that the industries of tomorrow be built on sustainability principles if our society is going to adapt to these changes,” said instructor Mark Rabinsky, JCC sustainability coordinator. Students can familiarize themselves with the environmental issues facing our community, state, country and planet. Topics covered will include:

• global warming science;
• alternative energy systems;
•  industrial ecology;
• environmental stewardship;
• conservation and environmental ethics;
• sustainable development.

This course will be offered on Wednesdays starting Sept. 3 at Grass Lake High School and Mondays starting Sept. 8 at the Jackson campus, from 6-8:15 p.m., and will also include an online component. It is a three credit hour course. For more information, contact instructor Mark Rabinsky, sustainability coordinator for JCC, at RabinskMarkJ@jccmi.edu. To register, visit any JCC location, or online at www.jccmi.edu.