Avery Indermaur
Sustainability Engagement Certificate ePortfolio
Overview
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This website serves as the portfolio for my Sustainability Engagement Certificate at Duke University.
In this program, each student chooses a sustainability theme around which to mold their experience. After taking a gateway course, students choose two electives, a 150-hour experience, and a 300-hour experience to round out their certificate, all culminating in the capstone course senior year.
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The following pages show what I created, explored, and learned through my pursuit of a certificate focused in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
What is Sustainability?
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"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
-UN World Commission on Environment and Development
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"Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment."
"A sustainable approach is a systems-based approach that seeks to understand the interactions which exist among environmental, social, and economic pillars in an effort to better understand the consequences of our actions."
-US EPA
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
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"Agriculture often places significant pressure on natural resources and the environment. Sustainable agricultural practices are intended to protect the environment, expand the Earth’s natural resource base, and maintain and improve soil fertility. Based on a multi-pronged goal, sustainable agriculture seeks to:
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Increase profitable farm income
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Promote environmental stewardship
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Enhance quality of life for farm families and communities
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Increase production for human food and fiber needs"
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-USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
About Me
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In spring 2021, I will graduate with a B.S. in Environmental Science, a minor in Cultural Anthropology, and a certificate in Sustainability Engagement Certificate focused in sustainable agriculture. I am especially interested in the connection between wellness and sustainability, serving as an intern for both Sustainable Duke and DuWell, and see food and farming as the best way to connect my two passions. Outside of class and work, you can find me baking, cooking, hiking, dancing, doing yoga, or tucked in a coffee shop somewhere with a good book.
Special Thanks!
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I would not be where I am today without the guidance, wisdom, and support of these wonderful people! Thank you so much for all you have done for me and taught me over the years and I'm sure will for many years to come :)
Charlotte Clark
Assistant Professor of the Practice of Sustainability
Dirk Philipsen
Associate Research Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy
Tavey Capps
Sustainability Director of Sustainable Duke
Saskia Cornes
Program Director of Duke Campus Farm