Appalachian State University Sustainable Development

Interdisciplinary studies has always seemed the way to go to get a good rounded education. It is part of the reason that I chose geography as my "discipline." Geography is the bridging discipline between the arts and sciences and therefore allows study across a wide expanse in order to get closer to the whole story. So when I heard about the interdisciplinary study program - entwined with sustainable development - at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, I was all ears. I found out that though others see it the same as I do, there are still many hurdles to overcome.

A visit to the sustainable development program at Appalachian State University, a beautiful university set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina netted an informative interview with Prof. Cynthia Wood who graciously discussed the integration of sustainable development into the curriculum.

Gardens

At Appalachian State University in North Carolina they have strong sustainable development and interdisciplinary programs, AND, they have a garden maintained by students.

When I first arrived at EMU in 1999 there was a beautiful greenhouse that was being dismantled in favor of I don't know what, but it sure wasn't in favor of a garden. I was dismayed to hear this happening at the time and still don't understand the decision. Growing a greenhouse garden at EMU would help cut down on transportation costs, fossil fuel burning, and of course, provide students, faculty and administrators with healthy food, something in short supply.

Gardens have many advantages at a school. They are a ready source for food and landscape compost, gets students involved with nature, improves nutrition, just tastes good, and teaches students about where their food comes from! I have experienced having students over to my home for dinner and they have told me they never had a meal cooked from scratch before. It seems unbelievable to me, but true. There is so much to learn. Our health costs are going up, up, up and still people don't eat healthy - such an easy beginning to a more healthy life.