Tracking Sustainability Efforts with the United Nations: What is an SDG?

October 28, 2024 - Teagan Bush

In 2015, 193 governments across the world adopted a landmark new sustainability initiative for countries and large institutions: the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). The summit set forth a universal group of 17 interconnected objectives established by the United Nations to tackle pressing global sustainability challenges to meet their Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2030.

The SDG’s address a wide range of issues, covering social, environmental, and economic challenges. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress, making it easier for countries and organizations to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

The Development Goals serve as a blueprint for institutions like MSU to build a better future for everyone, encouraging collective action and innovative solutions. MSU promotes sustainable resources and opportunities both on and off campus to the Spartan community, and measures many of the sustainable initiatives against the SDG’s. There are often events held by campus organizations and student run clubs including campus and river clean ups, guest speakers, upcycling events, nature walks and much more. Since the SDG’s are interconnected, progress in one area also affects progress in others. To help convene the work that MSU does, the Office of Sustainability serves to help promote, advocate for, and maximize their impact on campus and the wider community. The Office of Sustainability has created a list of actions that can apply to students, faculty and staff, as well as anyone who wishes to incorporate more sustainable practices into their life.

Educate yourself and educate others: Staying educated is one of the most important and first steps one can take to small but meaningful changes in one's lifestyle.

Energy Efficiency: Turn off lights, unplug devices when not in use, conserve water, and consider using energy-efficient appliances. The best energy saved is energy not being used!

Support Local and Sustainable Products: Buy from local farmers' markets or stores that prioritize sustainable practices such as the campus thrift store, The Surplus Store and Recycling Center.

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair: Implement effective waste management by rejecting single-use materials, minimizing consumption, reusing items, recycling appropriately, and choosing to repair instead of replacing.

Sustainable Transportation: Use public transportation, ride sharing, bike, or walk to school to lower carbon emissions. MSU Bikes offers bike rentals, repair, and other services right on campus!

Volunteer and Advocate for Change: Get involved with local organizations focused on social issues, environmental conservation, or community development. Use your voice to advocate for policies and initiatives that support sustainable development in your community. The MSU Center for Community Engaged Learning serves to forward the goals for the wider Spartan community in these areas as well.

Any member of the Spartan Community has the power to make a difference. Change begins with small actions, and it can start with you. What are some ways you can contribute positively to the Sustainable Development Goals?

For more information on the SDG’s or what’s upcoming in MSU’s sustainability space, please visit https://sustainability.msu.edu/