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: Pitt Dietrich School of Arts and Science Deans Office
About Pitt Dietrich School of Arts and Science Deans Office
We are the Dietrich School of Arts and Science Deans Office, Team Green Dean! My name is Brin Sharrar and I am an administrative coordinator and MA Linguistics student at Pitt. Along with my colleague Associate Dean Natasha Tokowicz, and thanks to the support of Dean Adam Leibovich we have successfully implemented green objectives into the shared spaces in our office, located on the 9th floor of the Cathedral of Learning. Many of us share a passion for sustainability in both our personal and professional lives. We understand how deeply it impacts us, and we were excited to bring those values into the office we share.
What got you interested in sustainability and acting on climate change?
I come from a family of farmers and environmental enthusiasts from Zelienople and Cranberry, Pennsylvania. Growing up, I was taught to respect nature and to do our part to protect the environment. As an adult, I’ve continued to live by those lessons reducing, reusing, recycling, composting, and taking advantage of solar power at home. I also garden and practice animal/insect-friendly yard care. So when Natasha asked about making our office a Green Office, I was thrilled to bring those practices into my work life.
How would you recommend those just getting started with sustainability on campus get involved?
Get to know the systems in place that can support your green goals. The Office of Sustainability has a fantastic list of resources. In my opinion, small, sustainable changes are the key to success. Go through the Green Office/Lab checklist and see what you already do, and identify what’s easy to improve in your office or lab. Starting in shared, high-traffic spaces like a kitchenette, supply closet, or printing area is a great first step.
Thanks to The Dietrich School of Arts and Science Deans Office for all your efforts to advance sustainability at Pitt!