About GSC

GSC mascot B. Moore Green

Gators for a Sustainable Campus (GSC) is a student organization that is unofficially affiliated with the University of Florida Office of Sustainability.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the noble, ongoing effort to “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” as first stated in the Brundtland Commission report Our Common Future.

There are limits to how much our population can grow and how much we can manipulate our surrounding environments without seriously disturbing the earth’s intricate web of species and systems.

GSC, through campus and community outreach, tries to tackle this problem at the University of Florida and in the Gainesville area by encouraging and empowering students to strive for sustainability.

We believe in the Office of Sustainability’s Vision for a Sustainable UF:

The University of Florida has an obligation to meet the challenges of sustainability, integrating the goals of ecological restoration, economic development, and social equity into its operations, education, research, and outreach. As an institution of higher learning, we play a leading role in training the scientific, social, political and cultural leaders who will make a difference in the world.

Our mission statement reflects this belief.

GSC Mission Statement

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

–Margaret Mead

Introduction

Gators for a Sustainable Campus is a grassroots, action-oriented student organization created to help UF students contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. We have three main goals.

Raise Awareness

Education lays the foundation for campus sustainability. The more students know, the more effective they will be at creating positive change. We will spread our message by tabling, passing out information, showing films, and hosting debates.

Foster Sustainable Behavior

Our core mission is to help students become more sustainable. Through extensive research and preparation, we will develop social marketing plans that address students concerns and motivations. We will show them how they can take a personal role in ensuring that future generations will have the same opportunities we have.

Create Wider Change

Students have the power to create change beyond their own lives. With the help of outside organizations and businesses, we will give students a way to make a difference on a campus-wide scale. We will work to reduce the University of Florida’s negative effects on climate, the environment, and society through innovative competitions and campaigns.

Our Pledge

Working toward these goals, we pledge to:
Dedicate ourselves to a sustainable future.
Stay true to our ethics and principles.
Be the change that we want to see in the world.

Join us

Come to our next meeting or email us to find out how you can be a part of this movement.