FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS MAGAZINE
THE SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE JOURNEY • SPRING • 2019 • FREE
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
Karlyn Sykes
Aiyana Ishmael
COPY DESK CHIEF
COPY DESK EDITOR
A’Nire Glenn
Ruelle Fludd
ONLINE EDITOR
ONLINE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Osias
Kwame Manu
MULTIMEDIA EDITORS
FASHION DIRECTOR
Alphonso Robinson Dekorey Hobbs
Jayla Cash
PR DIRECTORS
FASHION ASSISTANT
Catherine Bryant Cameron Trevell
Brianne Taylor
PR ASSOCIATES
ART DIRECTORS
Naja Hardmon Youdline Joseph
Malkia Peterson Destiny Crawford
ADVISOR
Professor Francine Huff
PRINTER
Gandy Printers
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tracy Belizare, Alexis Davis, Meche Leflore
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kathryn Lewis, Nathan Vinson, Sharon Washington
MODELS
Morgan Dyson, Diamond Rollins, Esper Supplice, Trae Wilson
Copyright 2019 by Florida A&M University. All rights reserved. This issue of Journey magazine was produced by the student organization Journey with essential support from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. Journey is funded through the student activity and services fees, as allocated by the Student Senate of Florida A&M University. For more information on Journey or the Magazine Program, contact the Division of Journalism at 850-599-3379, 510 Orr Drive, Room 3078, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307.
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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Reduce, Reuse, Reflect
16 19 22
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
Thrifty Business
Masthead
Parks & Rec
Amazing Waste
06
Poppin Tags
Mythbusters: Is Climate Change Real?
CONT 02
08 10
28
32 34
Check Your Energy
The Reuse Movement
13
Green Guide to Tallahassee
A Letter from the Sustainability Institute: Sustainability is a Journey not a Destination
Treasure out of Trash
Drip Too Hard
ENTS 12
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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EDITOR'S LETTER
S
REDUCE REUSE REFLECT
o this is it. It feels like it’s over before we really even began. What a complete blur of nine months its been.
To be here, sitting behind this RA desk--not doing the administrative work I was tasked with--trying to sum up nine months and really four years in a couple solid paragraphs is a lot to process for a Monday night. I must preface the following 800 words with a warning. This is a love letter, a farewell address, a scathing Yelp review, a special edition Myspace “Truth Is..” and a read all wrapped into one. This may be one of
daunting than any student loan I would argue.
the last times I have a platform to reflect about
I absolutely despise when people use this phrase in
how I really feel and where I am in all of this in
post-party captions, but FAMU you owe me nothing.
a completely unadulterated format. This
For the few who know my story and arrival on The
may be one of the last times I actually have
Hill, I cried for weeks when I found out I had to go
an audience to read, care and comprehend
here and kept on crying when I got here. Go ahead
what I’m sharing, and yet I am still here
shame me now, tell me that I don’t bleed orange and
overwhelmed with the words that I don’t quite
green like you and your grandmama do, but it's true.
know how to formulate into coherent sentences.
At some point though, I stopped crying and
Writing tight was never my strong suit.
I am thankful everyday that I kept my head up
Let me start with what you already know to
long enough to meet my forever friend, to tap into
be true: there is nothing quite like the growth
my potential as a writer and a leader, and most
that occurs while you’re in college. For four years
importantly to learn to love myself and my people
you’re incubated in this false sense of adulthood.
in a way that I never knew I needed or was possible.
There is freedom, there are bills, there are
My friends and I who too are on the brink of
friendships and there is so much heartbreak, then
graduation have been trying to put into words what
one day you look up and wonder, where did my
it is that FAMU and historically black institutions
refund check go? And just like that it’s over.
does to your spirit, but there are no easy words to
Despite the extreme highs and unshakable
describe it. They break you down just to build you
lows, in those four years your identity
back up again...there’s this uncanny elevation of self—
begins to reveal itself. And that my
that doesn’t even begin to explain it. But without it,
friend is likely the most rewarding
I’m not sure where New York University or Boston
and your
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
terrifying young
revelation
adult
life.
of
would have taken me, and I hope I never find out.
More
And while it’s not all about being black, it’s
completely unavoidable in this issue because put
Coalition. A special thank you Janel
frankly black people need to be green too. I grew up in
Kemp, president of the Green Coalition,
a home where there was punishment for not recycling.
for being such a huge help to myself and my
My dad would go into the garbage can and pull out
staff when it came to properly sourcing and
cardboard or plastic water bottles and put them
addressing these environmental topics.Another
on our bed if we didn’t recycle them. I kid you not.
thank you must go out to Bakari McClendon,
Being conscious of my energy and waste footprint
coordinator for engagement and communications
was instilled in me at a young age, but was largely
at the Sustainability Institute, who was critical in
latent until I began volunteering at The S.E.E.D
managing the relationship between their offices and
garden and was introduced to the Green Coalition as well as the Sustainability Institute. Pulling weeds and digging for earthworms alongside students with genuine passions for nature and actively doing research on how to improve the garden or our waste habits, I realized a commonality among us. Many of these people had been exposed to sustainable practices or developed a love for the environment because of their upbringing or schooling. It’s a classic case of when you know better you do better, and so they came to college with the intent of dedicating their careers to doing better on behalf of all of us. Identity can’t be revealed without access or at the very least awareness. And so if these people, many of whom I have so much respect for, are dedicating their lives to bettering our earth, the least I could do was dedicate 36 pages to highlighting the work they do and the issues they work against. Many of us, me included, take our environment, our experiences and our interactions with people
the magazine and has always been so welcoming to
for granted. This issue isn’t a cute buzzy theme to
outsiders like me trying to do some good at the S.E.E.D.
capitalize on the imminent trends of “going green”
What a time to be alive and soon to be a graduate
and being “hashtag sustainable,” it's about gratitude.
of The Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.
Gratitude for our earth, for being at FAMU at this
With this issue I challenge you to be more than
very moment in time and especially for being in
just a proud Rattler, but to be a green one too.
position to both inform and create with people I love and respect. We have done an amazing thing here: the
Thanks for listening,
first sustainability issue, the book is printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified ethically sourced paper, and we produced not just one but two dope covers. This issue was a full collaborative effort with the FAMU Sustainability Institute as well as the Green
Karlyn Sykes
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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BY RUELLE FLUDD
A
s early as second grade, when Earth Day rolled
new solar powered dual trash and recycling cans
around the corner come April 22, you could
on campus, also referred to as “big bellies,” the
expect at least one phrase to come out of
opportunity to reduce FAMU’s carbon footprint has
your teacher’s mouth during that time of the year without fail: reduce, reuse, recycle.
Until recently, recycling has only been a
Many families across the U.S. are familiar with
subsidiary of the campus’ waste management
the royal blue bins often supplied by their county
department. This has caused the student body to
to limit materials like plastic, cardboard, paper and
lack the knowledge and exposure that the program
other products that are slow to biodegrade from
needs to make a difference.
entering landfills. But the effort to recycle doesn't
D’ante Allen has single-handedly run the
have to stop at your parents home. Florida A&M
recycling center as the recycling supervisor
University has been taking several measures in the
since 2017. Originally from Fort Myers, Allen
past few years to ensure students are given the
is a graduate of Florida A&M and has always
opportunity to be environmentally savvy.
had a passion for being his own boss. The
The recycling department has come a long way
recycling center allows Allen to capitalize on
production-wise since 2017. Under the Department
that passion and keep pushing the potential of
of Environmental Health and Safety, the recycling
the program.
facility at FAMU is just starting to reach its expansive potential. Recycling has been available on FAMU’s campus for years, however, with the arrival of
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significantly grown.
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
“It’s progressed since I’ve been here. My first eight months, my supervisor told me I tripled the numbers. They’ve seen a dramatic change [in the program],” Allen said.
The new energy Allen brought to the recycling
separate. I have to go in and dissect paper, plastic,
program began with getting rid of the city’s
aluminum, and cardboard. So that’ll be something
cardboard bins that the university rents to collect
for them to do.”
recyclable cardboard boxes. These cardboard
The work of making FAMU greener falls not only
containers allowed the city to be paid by FAMU
on the administration but the students as well.
once the cardboard was taken to the city recycling
Making the simple choice to recycle an empty water
facility. Allen wanted to eliminate that extra
bottle instead of throwing it in the trash could
expense and have FAMU invest in their own
make a world of difference in your environment
cardboard containers, and so he did.
and in your day.
“What I’m trying to see is the big light at the
For more information about the recycling
end of the tunnel. This is a department that should
center
be self-sustainable,”Allen added.
can also visit the recycling center at 644
visit
www.famu.edu/recycle.
Students
The recycling center’s website informs students
Gamble Street and speak with Mr. Allen or
on what materials are recyclable, how they can
email recycle@famu.edu for more information
help and contribute and advises that “Real Rattlers
about volunteering.
Recycle.” The site outlines different ways that students can either recycle or do community service. Zion
Haynes,
a
junior
n
chemical
engineering student from Orlando, has volunteered with the recycling program since the summer of 2018. Haynes’ parents helped instill his current level of dedication to recycling and sustainability that he exercises on FAMU’s campus now. “Recycling is just a part of everyday life,” Haynes said. Haynes has learned a lot during his time at the recycling center and even earned a fellowship with Dow Chemical related to recycling. The position grants him the opportunity to plan a waste audit that will measure
"EVERYONE LEAVES THE LIGHTS ON OR LITTERS EVERY NOW AND THEN."
the amount of recycling on campus. “The overall audit is a synopsis of the waste and recycling efforts on FAMU’s campus. Where the holes are at, where the issues were and where we can improve on,” Haynes added. Allen encourages students to volunteer with the recycling center, “They can do a lot. I have to
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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As
PARKS
a college student, it’s easy to get caught in a social bubble. You keep going to the same brunch spot, the same bar, the same movie theater and the same club, and in the blink of an eye four years have passed you by and you never truly saw what the city had to offer. Although Tallahassee may not be on the list of hot 100 fastest growing cities, it is comprised of several hidden natural gems for its city dwellers to enjoy. You may be surprised, but there is more to do here than spend days tailgating sports games, afternoons studying in the library and nights at the Flite–and a lot of those alternatives are even environmentally friendly. Whether you’re planning your next zero-waste date by the water or looking for a place to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors, Tallahassee has a number of local parks, lakes and reserves to enjoy. Mapping out your next date with nature starts here.
C
SEMINOLE MANOR
E
MABRY MANOR
LAKE BRADFORD
FSU Reservation
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
S & REC Layfayette Park Governor’s Park
CHAPEL RIDGE
INGLEWOOD Tallahassee Chain of Parks
FERNDALE PLACE Cascade Parks
COLLEGE TOWN
Myers Park
Florida A&M University
BOND WESTSIDE
CALLEN
Chapman Pond Park Old FortPark
jackson Bluff Rd
ELBERTA EMPIRE
DeSoto Site Historic State Park
F.A.M.U.
LEON ARMS
Orange Ave
LIBERTY PARK
TUSKEGEE Tallahassee St Marks Historic
Jack McClean Park
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
11
THE REUSE MOVEMENT BY JENNIFER OSIAS
A
change is coming. With increasing public awareness of sustainability, more people are making a transition to incorporate eco-friendly practices. With this paradigm shift, companies and public spaces alike must adapt to put sustainability at the forefront. More and more businesses seem up to the task and are re-branding using social media. Just look to Instagram where #sustainability already has racked up nearly three million posts alone. An estimated 18 billion pounds of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans from coastal regions and cause harm to the coral reefs, killing sea animals, according to a report by National Geographic. As a result, major companies like Starbucks, Disney Theme Parks, American Airlines and even the FAMU Dining Services are starting to do their part to reduce environmental damage in recent moves to remove plastic straws. Retail companies like H&M, Levi’s and The North Face are allowing customers to return their old clothes to either be mended or donated. It doesn’t take just large corporations to play a part in reducing some environmental harm. Recent trends reflect a rise in consumer interest in switching from disposable products to reusable ones given the increase in eco-friendly products on the market. The reuse movement is paving the way for a greener life and cleaner environment, so we’ve rounded up five eco-friendly alternatives to sub in for your go-to plastic products.
PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES TO REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES
PLASTICGROCERYBAGSTOREUSABLEGROCERIESBAG
Purchasing a reusable water bottle is not only eco-friendly, but
According to Reusethisbag.com, the average plastic grocery
cost-effective. Reusable water bottles are also a convenient way
bag can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Even worse,
for college students to save money and keep track of their daily
the materials to make plastic bags are made with petroleum
water intake. A one time purchase of a reusable water bottle
products which are nonrenewable resources. Next time you
averages between $5-30. Meanwhile, the cost of a case of toxic
hit the grocery store, consider bringing your own bag checkout
plastic water bottles can average $12-50 per month. Knowing
bag instead of stocking up on toxic, plastic Walmart bags. Many
that you’re becoming eco-friendly with your reusable water
stores are beginning to charge a shopping bag tax to discourage
bottle: priceless.
customers from wasting plastic bags, but by bringing your favorite tote or an old Urban Outfitters cloth shopping bag you
PLASTICSTRAWSTOREUSABLESTEELSTRAWS Straws are a small but mighty force in the accumulation of
can save money and our ecosystem.
plastic waste in landfills and our water supply. A number of
GLASSORBIODEGRADABLETOTOGOCONTAINERS
new alternatives have hit the market and are even being used
Glass containers have been recommended by EatRight.org as
in some restaurants such as the paper straw. While those can be
the best type of to-go containers due to their lack of toxic plastic
frustrating to use--trust me you don’t even want to try one they
materials. They’re safer for the earth and are easier to clean
fall apart almost instantly-- stainless steel options have become
compared to plastic, so keep your food fresh while keeping our
increasingly popular. Not only are they eco-friendly, they are
environment fresh and clean too. Likewise, a number of food
also easy to use and can be very chic. Reusable straws can also
establishments likeVale and Whole Foods have made the switch
be found made of glass, bamboo or silicone depending on your
from styrofoam or plastic to-go containers to biodegradable
personal preference.
plant-based containers which can be composted back into the earth. If you don’t quite trust yourself with glass, you can still support your local businesses that support an environmental cause today!
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
SUPPLIED BY FAMU SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE
E
nergy is a chief source of greenhouse gas emissions which increase the temperature of our planet and ultimately causes global warming. According to an ongoing temperature analysis conducted by scientists at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, the average global temperature on Earth has increased by about 1.4° Fahrenheit every year since 1880. The more energy we waste the more damaging the effects of global warming are on our climate and the environment. And you don’t want to be the reason why polar bears don’t have a place to inhabitant, do you? If not take this quiz to how gauge how well you are doing your part to conserve energy!
7 + GREEN : You are a GREEN RATTLER . You fully conserve
resources and save money.
5 - 7 ORANGE : You are an ORANGE RATTLER . You conserve some
resources and save money.
0 -5 RED : You are a RED RATTLER .
You have a chance to conserve resources and save money.
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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F O L LO W US @journey_mag
@journeymag
Journey Magzine
GREEN GUIDE TO
TALLAHASSEE SUPPLIED JOINTLY BY THE FAMU SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE
SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Next time you go into Publix, ask yourself–or the packaging label on your snack pack carrots– “Where did this food come from? And what did it take to get here?” Food waste is a major
issue facing both the agribusiness industry and individual families. An easy way to combat that is by shopping locally and taking advantage of co-ops or food markets in your city. Locally-grown produce requires less energy to transport and supports farmers in your area. And when you’re done with your leftovers, don’t forget to compost it! Farmshare at FAMU Health and Wellness Center New Leaf Market Co-Op
Tallahassee Farmers Market
BUSINESS Incorporating eco-friendly practices
in ones business is becoming more than just a trend, but a necessity in our world today. Whether it’s sustainably
sourced
cotton-tees,
reusable water-bottles made from recycled materials, chemical-free diapers or biodegradable to-go containers,
Tallahassee’s
local
businesses are taking it upon themselves to offer its residents the eco-friendly products and services they deserve.
Frenchtown Heritage Market
Rebel’s Midtown Boutique
Midtown Farmers Market at Lake Ella
Quarter Moon Imports Lake Ella
Leon County Community Garden
Hearth & South
Orchard Pond Organics
Ecological Babies Catering Capers
Gas to fuel up your car costs you money and the environment greatly; in fact, the burning of fossil fuels is one of the top
ONLINE RESOURCES
Transitioning into a greener lifestyle doesn’t just happen
reasons for global warming. While we
overnight, trust us we know! It requires time, support, and
love our cars–so much so to give them
sometimes it’s just taking small steps to change your
names– taking public transportation or
habits in doses, not necessarily in drastic moves. To help
riding your bike to work every now and
you on this journey we’ve rounded up some great online
then could potentially save you from a few fill-ups and our
resources to keep you motivated to do your part to help
ecosystem from dangerous chemical buildup. Don’t hesitate
the environment. Maybe it’s remembering to turn off
to hop on one of the many green transportation options that
your lights when you leave your room, or starting your
Tallahassee, FAMU and FSU have to offer.
own recycling bin. Everything little thing counts.
FAMU Venom Express
sustainability.famu.edu
Capital City Cyclists
aashe.org
Bike and Cycle Club
floridaclimateinstitute.org
City of Tallahassee Star Metro
sustainabletallahassee.org
Orchard Pond Organics
epa.gov
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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BY MECHE LEFLORE
N
o, these quotes weren’t pulled from the depths of a Reddit stream, but in fact came straight from the Twitter fingers of the 45th President of the United States. While this dangerous rhetoric has spanned over the length of his career in the public eye, given his current status as a world leader this type of speech has proven extremely damaging given his influence on climate change policy--and the opinions of his impressionable constituents. NASA defines climate change as “a broad range of global phenomena created predominantly by burning fossil fuels, which adds heat-trapping gases to Earth’s atmosphere.” The side-effects include trends in increased earth temperatures known as global warming, rising sea levels, ice mass loss, extreme weather and shift in flower and plant blooming cycles. Although decades of research has been conducted by the world’s leading scientists, evidence of an impending global crisis can appear to be subjective to some. Climate change, a phenomenon that is at the forefront of conversations all over the world, is labeled as a mere hoax to some but is an apparent doomsday for others. The world’s leading climate scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have warned that at our current rate of emissions, by 2040 the planet will have become irreparable. This trend foreshadows worldwide worsening food shortages,wildfires, mass extinction of coral reefs and more. Even with hundreds of scientists backing the harmful impacts of climate change, there are those who still disagree with their findings. The AP reported that seven out of ten Americans agree that humans’ effects on the planet are real. Meanwhile, only 52% of republicans believe in climate change’s existence. Often times, people do not want to worry themselves with the thought of climate change because it means changing their wasteful habits. Carmen Powell, a freshman biology pre-med student,says that she is aware of climate change but doesn’t plan on changing her lifestyle completely. “It’s not that I don’t know about climate change, but it’s the thought of me having to change my certain aspects of my life that I am accustomed to,” Powell said. “It does sound selfish but that’s how me and a lot of
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
people think.” President Trump’s dialogue has undermined climate change research and reinforces many people’s apathy toward making environmentally conscious decisions. This is exemplified in his strategic appointments of former oil and natural gas barons to staff the Environmental Protection Agency.The same is true of his resolution to opt out of the Paris Agreement, a 195 country-strong consensus created by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, agreeing to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Republicans in Florida like Senator Marco Rubio continue to push Trump’s agenda denying that human activity is to blame for the fluctuating temperatures and rising sea levels. Why is it that conservatives seem not to believe in climate change? And, if one does believe, why won’t they take action? Florida A&M University School of Environment professor Dr. Richard Gragg III, noted that it's not that people don’t believe in climate change, its simply people aren’t as aware as they should be. “I feel that people are not fully aware and environmentally literate of the causes, implications and impacts of climate change because there is a lack of consistent and literate information from scientists, policy and decisions makers to the general public,” Gragg said. Nigel Lascelles, a marine biology graduate student and current teacher assistant, also feels that people aren’t enlightened to what climate change is and what it will mean for our everyday life. “I feel like its half and half,” Lascelles said. “I feel like its people who
don’t believe in it and there are people who do believe. It's just that people don’t know how to adjust to it or how to change their actions to make the environment better or control climate change.” One of FAMU’s missions is to bring awareness to climate change so that students and community will be privy to the effect that climate change will have on our lives if conditions were to worsen.FAMU’s studentrun organization the Green Coalition, has tasked themselves with this mission. Janel Kemp,president of the Green Coalition and a graduating senior in environmental studies, feels as though members of the Green Coalition and the FAMU Sustainability Institute have played an important role in raising awareness about climate change around the university. “I feel like the Sustainability Institute is doing a good job in trying to collaborate and start the discussion about the different policies that FAMU can implement to start changing our practices and our facilities at a higher level in order to make bigger impacts around the campus,” Kemp said. With the help of these organizations and personal research on climate change, students here at FAMU can commit to being more responsible and informed about the earth. While you may not be sold on the facts, the drastic changes in climate and recent increases in natural disasters must be attributed to more than bad luck. Before you write off global warming as a myth, we challenge you to do your research--but know that your choices now will forever alter the world for future generations.
"PEOPLE DONT KNOW HOW TO ADJUST TO IT."
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
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BY ALEXIS DAVIS & TRACY BELIZAIRE EDITED BY AIYANA ISHMAEL
A
s a tourist strolls through New York in the middle of February during the heart of Fashion Week, the hustle and bustle takes over their sight and auditory senses. The tourist’s eyes begin to scan the streets observing the latest trends. A throwback New York Knicks jersey with Anthony plastered across the back in bright orange letters catches their eye from across the street. After contemplating for a few moments,
the tourist builds up the courage to walk across the street to ask where they purchased the jersey from. At first the passerby is secretive about their purchase, but they let the tourist in on what’s become the hidden secret of clothing for teens and young adults: an obscure Brooklyn thrift store called Out of the Closet. Just like Out of the Closet, a number of thrift stores across the nation have been getting more regular visits from young adults in search of rare and often more affordable finds. According to NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals, “There are currently more than 25,000 resale, consignment and not for profit resale shops in the United States. In the 19th century, thrifting grew rapidly because of the accelerated growth in cities and the second biggest wave of immigration in America. Thrifting was a convenient way for people to donate, sell and purchase new and old styles for a low cost. For some it holds familial value and tradition. “It started with my dad,” local thrifter, Gilbert Shandwick, said. “He taught me way back in the 70s.” Music culture has become enriched with clothing since the beginning. There has always been a vivid correlation between the two. As the summer of 2012 came to an end, singer and songwriter Macklemore was in a studio in Seattle cooking up what would become a mainstay in the radio
"IT HOLDS FAMILIAL VALUE AND TRADITION."
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
19
flashy vintage looks portrayed through thrifted fashions shortly labeled him as a style icon. In 2013, Eco Goodz reported that one in every five teens and young adults use their local thrift store as a central resource for their closet. Eco Goodz also informs its readers that out of the $5 billion dollars that Goodwill acquires annually, $3 billion of this is from the pockets of consumers between the ages of 16 and 24. As a whole many shoppers are realizing the benefits of thrift shopping. Many millennials are leaving the mall and heading to their local thrift store. “Instead of going and paying $50 for the same thing, you can get something someone has worn years ago and it’s actually vintage,” said Salma Elnegro, a Florida A&M University student. For most avid shoppers, thrifting is a way to be a trendsetter. But for
Jaylon Brown, a second year economics scholar at FAMU, thrifting has been a part of his day to day look for the past three to four years. Brown also provided some insight on why he thinks younger generations have become more open to thrifting. “I began to thrift in the summer before my senior year of high school,” Brown said. “People are starting to appreciate the fashion trends from decades of the past so they see thrifting as a cheap and easy way to achieve these styles.” This statement goes hand in hand with the fact that as years go by different styles are constantly making a comeback with only minor differences. The majority of today’s trendy styles can be found in thrift stores from coast to coast. “Everything in a thrift store is different,” Brown said. “When someone enters a thrift store, they are looking for something that identifies with their style as well as unites them with the past. When I begin to scan the racks at thrift stores around my school, as well as back at home, what usually catches my eye is 90s and early 2000s streetwear. I also enjoy the jersey look that is embodied by rap artists such as Nelly.” Although thrifting has been a trend, some say it depletes resources from people who may actually need it. “There are people who unfortunately do not have clothes and who can’t afford clothes, that’s why they come here,” Godwin said. The used clothing and goods industry is composed of many different avenues, charity stores, consignment shops and stores modeled after the layout of Goodwill. Most
of these platforms prior to 2010 were utilized by low income individuals or individuals that enjoy luxury brands but did not like luxury price. In current culture, thrift shopping has become a trend among middle class citizens. Some people even question if their purchases are taking away from the less fortunate. “Most charities don’t even give their clothes away to citizens who truly need it,” said Elle Heigh, a sales associate at a Tallahassee thrift store, the Other Side Vintage. “Most of these items are sold with an upcharge. Once this upcharge is added to the garment, it becomes no longer about charity but about how much the seller can profit from the sale.” While most young people don’t thrift with the conscious awareness that they are doing some environmental good, the sustainability component of thrifting cannot be ignored. The clothing and textile industry is among the largest producers of waste worldwide.
"ONE IN EVERY FIVE TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS USE THEIR LOCAL THRIFT STORE."
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, “consumers throw away shoes and clothing [versus recycle], an average of 70 pounds per person, annually.” By donating these items to organizations like Salvation Army, Goodwill or selling them to consignment shops, where a person purchases a recycled garment, the lifecycle of the item is extended thereby reducing textile waste on the consumers behalf. In Tallahassee alone there are three thrift stores in walking distance from FAMU and Florida State University. College students are able to have a more diverse closet on a tight budget thanks to these local shops. The recycled clothes, shoes and home goods have benefited a number of people shopping on a budget and likewise proven favorable to the environment. One thing’s for certain: thrift stores are showing no signs of closing up shop.
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THR WITHOUT FAIL, trends cycle back to the forefront of fashion every couple of years. Chokers, high-waisted mom jeans, cowboy boots, fanny packs and even those tiny sunglasses we swore we left in the 90s have all managed to make a comeback. Despite our flaky fashion sense, thrift stores across the nation have been holding down all the latest vintage finds from every decade for years. It’s no wonder the cool kids tend to hang out here flexing their effortlessly chic fits. Breathe new life into old threads by cashing in on the throwback gems hidden in the depths of your local Goodwill or thrift store. Recycling and reusing clothes has never been so on trend. STYLED BY Jayla Cash Brianne Taylor PHOTOGRAPHED BY Dekorey Hobbs LOCATION & CLOTHING: The Otherside Vintage MODELS: Morgan Dyson Esper Supplice Trae Wilson
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BY AIYANA ISHMAEL
rriving in Tallahassee for school there are two inevitable fates for a young college student: endless amounts of Zephyrhills stacked in the corner of your dorm room or the always reliable--but
sometimes pricey--Brita filter. Either way, there is a deep-seated fear among many of this generation, and that is a steady distrust of tap water. But is that phobia founded in truth?
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Ac c o r d i n g manager
of
Tallahassee, is
among
the
to David Roberts,
United States and that’s why we have so
water operations in
many springs,” Dev said.
the
city’s
cleanest
water drinking
water available. Yet many people still choose bottled water over taking a cup to the sink. The water system in Tallahassee is controlled by the water operations teams and covers every on- and off-campus residency.
underground and these are all limestone bedrock so what actually happens is when they are running they erode the limestone over and over again and the hardness gets into the water, the water becomes hard water not a soft water. But it is harmless, it just creates unnecessary mass and trouble. So
“The water we provide meets all primary, secondary
He added, “It’s running for a long distance
drinking
when that happens we frequently monitor
standards.
the water quality as well. And we are now
Everything that we put into our pipeline
coming up with fully automated robotic
network
ways of doing it by using remote sensing.”
meets
water
those
requirements,
[however,] things can happen to the water from the time we put it into the system and from the point of delivery,” Roberts said. He
continued,
“We
monitor
our
distribution system rigorously for those changes and to keep an eye on things and if something were to, you know, fall outside those standards, we would let customers know how to be cautious.” In the past, the water in Tallahassee has had some issues because of the natural stones and springs it comes from. But overall it is still considered one of the better options according to FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Professor, Satyanarayen Dev. Dev, who also works closely with the natural resources conservation, believes that although the water faces some extra additives it is not a health risk to anyone drinking the water. “Florida has the largest underground river system in the in the
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...PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD SURVIVE ON AN AVERAGE OF 3 GALLONS A DAY,...”
While Tallahassee is fortunate to face
fewer issues with maintaining a clean water supply, preservation still remains a central problem.
About 71 percent of the earth is covered in water. While this number
“We need to shower heads,”
Dev
added.
individual rates of excessive water
shower will be
very
nice
consumption on a daily basis.
you have the
pressure
to
of
usage.
our
fail
large, many
even more on water
us
still
is
halls to save
acknowledge
have high efficiency “The
because coming
While many people around the
out of it, but
you’re not getting
world survive on an average of
as much water
so it saves a lot of
3 gallons a day, according to the
water. A
minute
Water Footprint Calculator, in the
uses up more
than 25 gallons of
United States, on average, a person
water in the
normal
goes through 60 gallons daily in
head. But these
indoor water usage alone. This
ones will do it in less than five gallons.”
five
high
shower shower efficiency
includes the hour long showers,
To a large portion of the United States
running the water while you’re brushing
water is seen as the most available resource
your teeth, and many other wasteful day-
in their household. As a whole we don’t
to-day activities we’ve become oblivious to.
often consider the copious amounts of
Mikela Pryor, a biosystems engineering
water we’re wasting while using it, but if we
student, takes it upon herself to conserve
want to maintain this precious resource a
water and reduce plastic waste by carrying
change must occur sooner rather than later.
around reusable water bottles over buying
To do your part to conserve water,
plastic ones in bulk. She also only uses a
Muhammad suggests doing simple things
filtered pitcher for tap water.
like turning off the water while you’re
Giving up your Walmart 36 pack case of
brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers
spring water can be a difficult transition,
and avoiding excessive flushing-- don’t
but fortunately FAMU’s campus has taken
treat your toilet like a garbage disposal.
the initiative to help ease that journey.
Although those tasks may seem minuscule
“I’ve noticed there’s more bottle filling
in the grand scheme of our world’s water
machines which makes it easier for reusable
conservation crisis, taking responsibility
bottle users to fill up on campus,” said
and managing your own water consumption
Fure Muhammad, a biosystem engineering
can go a long way in maintaining our supply
student.
for future generations.
And while this a step in the right direction for FAMU, Dev still believes new additions could be made to the on-campus residence
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W
hen Missy Elliot said, “flip it and reverse it” in her hit 2002 single “Work It”, she
wasn’t talking about recycling. But today her iconic lyrics couldn’t be more fitting for the surge of the sustainable creation movement. All
types
of
crazy,
colorful
and quirky crafts have been made from revitalizing old things. From furniture, to birdbaths, clothing, car parts and more, many pieces you would never imagine have been engineered from ideas and things that have been repurposed. Social media has been critical in shedding light on the rise of this environmentally-friendly
form
of
artistic expression and innovation. Hundreds of thousands of retweets, shares and likes, have accumulated over the last five years displaying popular works like caddies made from soda cans, 3D sculptures out of plastic bottles, turning trash bags into gowns and even turning abandoned buses into hangout spots. But using waste to create isn’t just the basis of some trendy new YouTube
video
tutorial.
Many
people have turned passion projects into careers by recycling materials that are potentially harmful to the BY A'NIRE GLENN
environment
and--with
a
little
ingenuity--giving them new purpose as commercial products or artpieces. Railroad Square in Tallahassee, just a ten minute walk from Florida A&M
University’s
campus,
has
become known for being home to some of the most eccentric businesses and visuals in the city. Recycle Robin is one of those small business. The owner, Robin Dienger, was inspired from Pinterest to make bird baths out of old dishes. Her passion for this craft, which started
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as a hobby, grew from observing festivals, workshops and
“I have always wanted to live a holistic life,” Younger
community events that were geared toward improving
said. “ We are showing students how to live for yourself.
the environment and restoring unrefined objects.
So if something goes on in the world, you know how to
“Everywhere I go I’m like I could do something with that,” Dienger said.
plan and recycle or reuse anything.” The Sustainability Institute intern is developing more
Although her shop recently closed after five years,
visual tactics to have students be more interested and
Dienger plans to reopen soon in a new location. She
receptive of the garden. “We are trying to go into video
believes it is important to be mindful of how we interact
because we believe that video is a better content instead
with our environment and that art can be a great outlet to
of just having pictures,” Younger added.
consciously do so.
As Oscar Wilde once said, “Life imitates art far more
The community has environmental empowerment movements sprouting continuously. One woman is even reusing cigarillo wrappers to create art pieces.
than art imitates life." Seeing rows and rows of fresh vegetables and an assortment of vibrantly colored plants, the gardens of
“Sometimes people leave them on the ground or
FAMU have been designed in an artistic way with the help
friends that know what I'm working on will give me
of both nature and man. A place that was once a largely
theirs,” Bleu Bell, a junior public relations student, said.
unused plot is now utilized to support the ecosystem and
She creates unique works for both personal therapeutic
the community through harvested food.
purposes as well as self-expression.
Humans have a history of repurposing the earth’s
“As much as we use and abuse this beautiful rock
natural and synthetic materials in innovative ways to
we're on, it's our home and it's a shame we don't take
either fulfill a need or a creative vision. Man made or
care of it. Everyone leaves the lights on or litters every
nature-given, there are always opportunities to repurpose
now and then, but if we all made an effort to be more
our surroundings and use waste to create.
environmentally conscious my grandkids will still be able to see a panda,” she finished. FAMU’s efforts to preserve, protect been
and
plant
extended
by
have grants,
media exposure and student involvement. The Sustainability Institute at FAMU, founded in 2014 under former President Dr.
"LIFE IMITATES ART FAR MORE THAN ART IMITATES LIFE."
Elmira Mangum, is a subsidiary of the university, which has leveraged FAMU’s attributes as an environmentally conscious campus and has cultivated a multicolored and visually majestic urban garden. The plot, now called the S.E.E.D, was funded by a grant from the Home Depot Retool Your School competition in 2016. It is located between FAMU’s Hansel E. Tookes Recreation Center and the gravel parking lot by the band’s practice field. It could be said that the organization has turned what could have been “wasted” space on campus into a beautiful garden of art. Cyandra Younger, a graduating senior public relations student, is the graphic communication and social media intern for the institute. She uses her position to demonstrate the importance of their environmental work to the student body.
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A LETTER FROM THE SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE
SUSTAINABILITY I NOT A DESTINATIO T
he FloridaA&M University Sustainability
of what we now call sustainability. In 2006,
Institute is honored and privileged to be
students organized the Green Coalition at
a part of the “Sustainability Issue” of
FAMU, which has led many initiatives to
Journey Magazine! Living more sustainably is
promote
part of the green Rattler lifestyle. Living well
community well-being.
environmental
awareness
and
while doing more with less, saving money and
FAMU joined with other universities
conserving resources is all a part of who we are
in 2014 to commit to reducing campus
at FAMU. In fact, our university has a storied
greenhouse gas emissions and work toward climate neutrality. Later that year, FAMU established the Sustainability Institute, which
history that reflects FAMU’s commitment
was charged with supporting and expanding
to sustainability over a number of years and
university-wide
peaking in the last decade.
teaching, and action. By engaging the campus
sustainability
research,
FAMU was founded in October 1887
community, as well as external partners, the
and is an 1890 land-grant institution
Sustainability Institute provides leadership
dedicated to the advancement of knowledge,
and coordination of sustainability initiatives
resolution of complex issues and the
and research.
empowerment of citizens and communities. FAMU’s
commitment
The School of Environment established the
In February of 2016, a “Sustainability Indaba” (summit) gathered more than 100 faculty, students, staff and community
to
partners to collaboratively envision and define
sustainability can be traced
sustainability at FAMU and prioritize specific
throughout its history as
actions to improve sustainability across 10
an institution founded to
strategic focus areas. The Zulu/Xhosa word
advance opportunities in higher education
biennial EnergyWaterFood Nexus International
Indaba means a gathering of concerned
for African Americans and to disseminate
Summit in 2015, gathering today’s leading
community members to resolve issues. As
knowledge about best practices for agriculture
entrepreneurs, scientists, and policy-makers
applied during the Indaba, “Sustainability is
and land stewardship. This legacy found new
from around the world to spark innovation
about finding solutions for current problems
expression in the 21st century in the realm
and unearth solutions for global sustainability.
to ensure the collective survival and prosperity
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • April 2019
E:
IS A JOURNEY, ON our “eco-handprints.” The goal is to foster understanding of the limitations of our
planet’s natural resources and the harmful impacts of human activity on the earth’s ecosystems. These negative impacts are identified as eco-footprints. The great
of people, organizations, and the planet, now and in the future.”
In celebration of Earth Month last year, President Dr. Larry Robinson joined FAMU faculty, students, staff and community in dedicating The SEED (Sustainability Education and Engagement Destination),FAMU’s campus garden and outdoor sustainability classroom. The purpose of The SEED is to institutionalize and strengthen the culture of sustainability on FAMU’s campus through student-centered engagement activities and immersive cocurricular experiences. Managed by the FAMU Sustainability Institute, the site is becoming an increasingly utilized space for programs about gardening, sustainability in action, and other topics of interest to the FAMU community. At FAMU, Rattlers are challenged to reduce our “eco-footprints” and to grow
news is that every individual can create
“eco-handprints,” to repair, restore, and
reimagine our relationships to the planet and each other. Furthermore, sustainable lifestyle choices and behavioral shifts also have the potential to be more rapid and widespread as opposed to national
policies, major energy transformations and technological advances. All of which are
EVERY PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE...”
critically important. The eco-handprint
with nature and green space in the urban
concept is also known as self-efficacy and
environment reduces psychological distress
responsibility. Every person can make a
and increases feelings of social safety.
difference to affect change or impact a
Working toward a more sustainable
system, community and themselves. An
climate and world should not be viewed as
eco-handprint is a symbol of a commitment
only an environmental necessity, but also
for positive action toward sustainability,
as a personal journey that can benefit one’s
extending a helping hand, or networking
health and well-being. We invite you to
and collaboration.
become inspired about the creative ways
Simultaneously, we are challenged to
you can grow your “eco-handprint” and
consider one’s own personal sustainability
improve your life and that of your friends
and wellness. According to a recent report
and communities to which you belong.
to the State University System of Florida
Sustainability is indeed a journey
Board of Governors, anxiety and depression
and not a destination. This issue is an
are the most commonly reported reasons
important step toward creating a culture of
for seeking counseling. Increasing numbers
sustainability at FAMU!
of students are diagnosed with and treated for mental health issues prior to enrolling in college. Research suggests that contact
Sincerely, The Florida A&M University Sustainability Institute
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