Green Thumbs on Campus; How College Students are Embracing Gardening for Sustainability and Well-being

Gardening is considered one of the ways to relax and reconnect with nature. And this is logical. Indeed, manual labor directly related to the cultivation and nurturing of plants is a calming experience. The green color of the foliage and watching the plants grow awakens a sense of harmony and well-being. Such feelings are the key to sustainable development. It is connected to various initiatives that the modern world needs. 

Today’s youth is actively involved in such initiatives. They are aimed at preserving the environment. And thus, to create a sustainable future. In these areas, college students become activists and even organizers of innovations. In order to create new green spaces, they develop as gardeners on campus, in cooperation with academic institutions and local organizations. Students do not only grow organic food or participate in green building projects. They are also involved in environmental research.

Green Initiatives and Their Positive Impact

Educational programs

For many students, green initiatives on campuses have become an integral part of their lives. Colleges offer programs that promote knowledge in horticulture and sustainable agriculture. Students learn:

• the process of growing plants, 
• the use of ecological methods and technologies,
• designing ecologically balanced landscapes. 

In other words, they gain practical skills to create and maintain green areas on campus.  These programs provide students with not only knowledge but also new opportunities. Namely,

• to work in practice, 
• explore new approaches,
• and contribute to sustainable development in the field of agriculture.

Assistance in academic performance

But at the same time, students need to maintain a high level of academic performance in their specialized fields. Therefore, it is often difficult for many to find time for gardening due to their heavy workload. In such cases, the EduBirdie service can be a reliable assistant, helping students to successfully complete college assignments and thus manage their time. Thanks to this service, students can order online assignments. Also, they can hire professional essay writers to write academic papers. All the above frees them from extra stress and allows them to focus on gardening.

Innovation

College students create innovative projects. They use advanced technology to develop green spaces on campuses. Among them: 

• implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, 
• solar panels, 
• and waste recycling. 

All of the above helps reduce water and energy consumption.

Impact on the economy and social development

Gardens and green spaces on campuses become meeting places and socializing areas. Here students can exchange ideas, collaborate and learn from each other. Students organize community events and organic food fairs.  They provide environmental courses for all college members. It has a significant impact on the formation of conscious consumption. Also, a healthy lifestyle is introduced in this way. This means that participation in sustainable development is increasing.

It is also worth noting the following. Students, green thumbs, cooperate with various local organizations, farms, and non-profit institutions. All of this in turn contributes to the development of a sustainable countryside. Activities include:

• joint organic farming projects
• creation of community gardens
• participation in ecosystem rehabilitation programs

Along with this, opportunities are created for cooperation with local farms. The development of the local economy is promoted. Jobs are created.

Community well-being

College students have a unique opportunity to influence the sustainability of their environment, starting on campus. They have the opportunity to use campus spaces to create green areas. They can grow organic food and support the ecosystem. Thanks to such initiatives, students not only learn but also become active participants in sustainable development.

The above-mentioned sustainable development and well-being thanks to active students, green thumbs, are also manifested in the following important things. Namely, green areas on campuses:

• create a pleasant atmosphere for students, 
• promote physical and emotional well-being,
• help reduce stress.

Growing organic food on campus:

• supports students’ health through organic nutrition,
• helps to reduce carbon emissions, as local products eliminate food transportation.

Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems

Green thumbs on campuses also contribute to the above initiatives. Students use their knowledge of botany and ecology to create flowering gardens that attract a variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife. All this has a positive impact on the maintenance of local ecosystems. It also helps to expand the living space for various types of species.

Interdisciplinary approach

Students use their knowledge of various disciplines. These are agronomy, biology, and ecology. Maybe even engineering. They all come together to create innovative solutions in the field of horticulture. Students form teams and work on projects that combine research and practical implementation. This is how social impact is created.

As we can see from all of the above, the impact of green thumbs on campus is significant. It goes far beyond purely student initiatives or a narrow local area. It is not only about community well-being and an interdisciplinary approach. It is the direct impact of green thumbs on such global issues as biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. Also, it is an impact on the economy and social development. Thus, green activists and all students who are interested in gardening should be supported in every possible way. After all, the eco-future is in their young, enthusiastic hands and minds. And thus, sustainability and well-being for future generations.

Karl Bowman Author and host of the blog about green initiatives and green thumbs. Student writer and essayist. Eco-topic researcher.