Catherine Lu on running for Sustainability Commissioner

Lu discusses accessibility, transparency and improving existing programming 

The Strand: What brought you to climate change activism?  

Catherine Lu: I wouldn’t call the VUSAC role “activism”, if you are talking about the VUSAC role. My involvement with helping mitigate climate change, however big of a topic that may seem, began gradually as I learned more and more about climate change. Anything from science journalism to high school clubs brought me to run for this position. On the topic of activism, I feel I express my desire for change less publicly, and instead change my personal wasteful habits, or contributing to eco-friendly organizations like Caffiends and this commission. 

 TS: What makes you qualified for this role? 

CL: A responsibility towards Vic, towards students and staff, faculty, the wider campus. My platform involves a crowdsourced aspect in decision making and information collection.  

Anyone can submit an anonymous form on the website below, ensuring their suggestion is visible to all internet users. I will post transparent updates on commission meetings, goals, programming, and events. Let there be as much comments as necessary for people to understand what’s happening. This responsibility and transparency is my qualifications. https://catherineluvusac.wixsite.com/sustainabilitycomm/suggest

 TS: What events or programming do you plan to do during your time?  

CL: Before naming any new programming, I’d like to research what existing programming such as Caffiends and residence Dons have set up and see what can be done to boost sustainability. 

Sometimes that will be not adding anything new on its own but improving an important event. If possible, I’d like more houseplants around Victoria because I love plants. Especially propagatable ones like snake plants or Christmas cactus; knowledgeable students can take a leaf and have a plant of their own. Also, workshops to spread that gardening knowledge. 

TS: How do you make events not only sustainable but accessible?  

CL: Accessibility comes in many forms. The most pressing physical aspects which people need such as ramps, ASL interpretation, food choices, and many more are a defined problem that can be solved through Accessibility Services and the event planning process. Individual events may vary in their needs, so it’s encouraged to share reliable contact information along with event details. Sustainability initiatives can come into conflict with accessibility: metal straws are hard to wash and going paperless can have implications on learning strategies. Again, events are on a case-by-case basis, and for things I’m in charge of I will first get a good grasp of what’s going on before making any changes. 

TS: What will you do in your power to persuade people to opt in to VUSAC levy fees? Victoria College is known for higher incidental fees compared to other St. George colleges. 

CL: No amount of persuasion can solve financial stress. It’d be interesting to see what the administration can do about mandatory fees, especially since sustainability initiatives can save resources (water, electricity) and therefore save money. The levy fees are just a number to incoming students, and it’s easy to ignore a number. Developing a personal connection of student to levies and clubs lets people understand what’s behind the fee. I will help share events, especially promoting events with environmental focus, and also encourage creative workarounds in the face of less funding. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.  

You can vote now until October 4th at voting.utoronto.ca 

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