David Nagy is a Junior at Notre Dame studying Psychology with a minor in Energy Studies. David has assumed the role of Director of Sustainability for Undergraduate Student Government for the 26-27 academic year. Notre Dame Sustainability sat down with David to learn more about him and his sustainability passions, and hear his platform for the academic year.
Why did you want to be the Sustainability Director for Undergraduate Student Government?
I grew up here in South Bend and spent my childhood around campus. I applied to be the director of sustainability in student gov because I feel a personal conviction and responsibility to protect the beauty and life found in this town and campus community, which I call home. Sustainability, particularly sustainable agriculture and resource management, has always been an interest of mine, and I felt that this position was the best place for my strengths and interests to have a positive impact on my peers.
What initiatives are you looking forward to addressing in the year ahead with Student Government?
I am interested in continuing to push many of the initiatives from my predecessors. Michael Parent, who held the position before me, left big shoes to fill, and I think that his efforts on the sustainability cup and in looking for sustainable technology partners are great places to pick up where he left off. I have also brought some ideas into the office with me, particularly regarding campus energy use and lighting in the dorms. I can't wait to start conversations with those who keep our buildings running. This is a great opportunity to learn from them and discuss how we can work together to save energy while improving students' quality of life!
When did you first become interested in Sustainability? What sustainability topics are you most passionate about?
I first became interested in sustainability in elementary school when my class would take weekly field trips to work and learn at a farm. This farm curriculum continued through my middle school years, and the hands-on engagement with nature and its resources helped to foster a love of renewable living and cooperating with the environments we inhabit. Natural preservation and renewable production practices are the areas of greatest personal interest for me as a result of my formative experiences on the farm, and I hope to do some outdoor programming this year that can encourage those same interests in my fellow students!
What is one sustainability action you would recommend people take in their daily lives?
One thing I would recommend people do in their day-to-day lives in order to live more sustainably is to be more intentional with their water use. I often find myself leaving the faucet running as I shave my face in the morning or scrub dishes after a meal, when taking the extra moment here and there to turn the tap on and off can save incredible amounts of water over time, and if practiced on a large scale. Whether it is emptying your water bottle on a plant in your room instead of down the drain, or waiting until you have a full load to start the washing machine, with a little effort, we can make one of our most valuable resources last.
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