Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 26, UALR students interested in reducing their carbon footprint can join a discussion group to learn how to live sustainably.

The seven-hour course begins from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Room E of the Donaghey Student Center and participants will continue at the same time and place on Nov. 2, Nov. 9, and Nov. 16.

“Choices for Sustainable Living,” developed by the Northwest Earth Institute, explores the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth.

“Students who register for the course can receive a free book,” said Dr. Nancy  Landrum, associate professor of management and chair of UALR’s Sustainability Committee.

Topics to be discussed include:

• A call to sustainability: How does the way our society functions affect the earth, and how can we be “a blessing to the planet?”
• Ecological principles: How can nature’s organizing principles be applied in design, production of goods, and everyday living?
• Buying: How can we escape from these cultural pressures, and instead only purchase what we truly need, from the most sustainable sources available?
• Food: How can we lessen our impact on the earth through conscious choices about the way we eat?
• Communities: In what ways can the  community work towards sustainability?  How can individuals make their communities sustainable ones?
• Business and Economy: Is a growing economy equivalent to a healthy economy? What are other ways of measuring success, and how can we encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and perspectives?
• Visions of Sustainability: Choices we make today are shaping the world of tomorrow. What are the possible outcomes, and how can we create the most sustainable society for ourselves and our children?

For more information, contact Landrum at nelandrum@ualr.edu.