In 2020 I took Introduction to Environmental Studies and Sustainability (GEOG 1100) at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). This course particularly motivated me to understand sustainability in relation to infrastructure. For example, I learned that TRU is built on what used to be a landfill. This impacts the infrastructure at TRU as the pavement requires more maintenance given the methane gases rising from the soil. We also discussed the challenges Kamloops faces in implementing efficient and effective transportation systems to decrease our greenhouse gas emissions due to the hills and snow. Topics such as these provided me with a solid basis of knowledge to strengthen my contributions to community projects such as Sustainability Stories, my giveback project.
I took this photo of the infrastructure on Battle St. W to demonstrate how the strip of trees and grass provide a protective, pleasant, and natural buffer for pedestrians. This promotes foot traffic and neighbourhood connectivity.