Sustainability Q&A: Dr. Monica Bartlett

What is your position and department?

Associate Professor and Chair of Psychology

What does sustainability mean to you?

That my decisions impact many others. Therefore, I should be thoughtful about the potential consequences of how I choose to live such that I try to bring some good into the world and minimize the harm I do to others.

How have you been involved in promoting sustainability on campus?

I was the co-founder, along with Dr. Brian Henning, of our Advisory Council on Stewardship and Sustainability.

What are some things you do in your personal life to live sustainably?

I teach my children about their own choices and how they impacts others, particularly thinking about consumption and waste and trying to reduce those in our own family. Those who know me well know that I love interior and clothing design! I make an effort to buy vintage/used for furniture, house wears and clothing. There are so many awesome used things out there if you know where to look! You don’t have to consume another new THING but can re-use something that already exists.

How could Gonzaga continue to improve its sustainability efforts?

We are doing so many wonderful things right now! I’d like to see us continue shaping campus such that vehicles are less visible/more restricted in where they can drive and pedestrian/bike friendly paths and walkways are front and center.

How will you continue to promote sustainability after you leave Gonzaga?

Always in the education of my own children. Thinking about our impact on others seems to make so much sense to them as little children now. I hope that stays with them.