The Pitt Green Spotlight is a monthly series highlighting people advancing sustainability, including Pitt Green Ambassadors and Pitt’s Green Offices & Labs!
We hope these spotlights will inspire you to try out new sustainable practices in your own campus experience! Want to be included in our next highlight? Contact us.
Pitt Green Spotlight: Department of Occupational Therapy
About Pitt OT
At the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Occupational Therapy (Pitt OT), our work is guided by a strong leadership and administrative team alongside nationally recognized faculty, researchers, and staff. Under the leadership of Department Chair Dr. Juleen Rodakowski, our vice chairs, program directors, and administrative professionals collaborate to advance our mission in education, research, clinical practice, and community engagement.
Our faculty are internationally known for contributions across rehabilitation science, including pediatrics, aging, and health policy, while our staff support the essential functions of operations, finance, research, communications, and departmental initiatives. Together, this network ensures that our academic programs remain at the forefront of occupational therapy education and that our scholarship and community partnerships create meaningful impact. As part of this shared mission, our team has also embraced sustainability as a core value in our day-to-day work—integrating thoughtful practices into operations, events, and facilities management.
What got you interested in sustainability and acting on climate change?
As a department centered on health, function, and participation, we understand that the environment is a key determinant of well-being. Just as we design interventions to help individuals thrive in their daily lives, we also recognize our responsibility to create systems and spaces that contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities.
Our interest in sustainability began with small but intentional decisions—like limiting promotional giveaways to useful items such as jar openers, which directly connect to the activities of daily living that define occupational therapy practice. We’ve also shifted our event planning practices, opting for reusable water carafes instead of bottled water at graduation ceremonies. These examples reflect thoughtful conversations within our department about aligning our values with our actions. Sustainability, much like occupational therapy itself, is about rethinking environments and processes to support long-term participation and health.
How would you recommend those just getting started with sustainability on campus get involved?
Start small and start where you are. Integrating sustainability doesn’t always require launching a new initiative—it can begin with rethinking everyday practices. Look for ways to minimize resource use in your office, incorporate sustainability into academic or research projects, or join existing student- and faculty-led efforts across Pitt.
We also encourage colleagues to talk openly about sustainability within their units. Sharing what you are already doing to reduce your footprint can spark new ideas and inspire collective action. From there, set a challenge, track progress, and celebrate the wins together. Sustainability is most powerful when it grows from grassroots efforts into shared culture.
Thanks to The Department of Occupational Therapy for all your efforts to advance sustainability at Pitt!