Author: Duncan

Today we went to the MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND TE PAPA TONGAREWA. At the musem we got to explore and see the many exhibits. one of the exhibits that struck me the most was the War exhibit that showcased the story of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I through perspective of eight New Zealanders. This…

Today we learned about sustainability trust. I was surprised by all the different things they do to support the community with sustainability. I was surprised to learn about the curtain recycling project they have where old curtains are dropped off and Either reused for low-income households or fixed and renewed. It was interesting to learn…

Today was a long day visiting the VUW School of Architecture, UOW Campus, and Cuba Street Te Ngākau Civic Square. We got to experience presentations about general sustainability and the many fallacies of sustainability, from plastic bags to the food we eat, sustainable building practices, Indigenous landscape architecture, and public housing in New Zealand. We…

Today we visited the Tourism industry in Aotearoa. We learned about how they are working to help businesses with sustainability and eventually walk down the path of Regenerative practices netting positives for the whole of society. The organization is a trust that works to help set industry-level agendas helping both those member companies funding them…

Today we meet Andrew Wilks, Director of Sustainability. He talked to us about sustainability on the university campus and gave us a tour of the University. During the tour, we got to see the Living Pa Project construction, the worm compost, and the glass milk bottle recycling then we had lunch. After lunch, we learned…

Today we went to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, took a boat tour, visited the redwood trees, and learned about Maori culture from the Tamaki Experience. The volcanic valley was beautiful. We learned about tourism from the area and how the Maori people manage the land and conduct tourism. Almost everyone working within the park and…

Today we went to Sanford and Sons and talked to Dr. Peter Longdill, the GM of sustainability. We learned about fish farming, fishing, processing, packaging, and fish auction that Sanford Works with. One of the questions I had was about the packaging. I was surprised to learn how some of the packaging they used, such…

Today we went to Waiheke Island, planted trees, visited the Mudbrick Winery, and went on a short tour of the island. The day started out a little rainy but ended up clearing up during the beautiful fairy ride to Waiheke Island. Once we got to the island, we planted manuka trees to help revitalize the…

Today we visited the Sky Hotel and learned about the sustainability efforts of the Sky City group. We learned about the three pillars of environmental, social, and governmental sustainability. We also learned about the Maori culture and the practice of having a sacred space and an eating space. Anthony Thompson, the corporate sustainability manager taught…

Hi, I’m Duncan Charboneau. I am a graduating senior double majoring in environmental and political science. I am from Durham, North Carolina. Throughout my time at Whittier College, I have been passionate about studying environmental issues. I have worked in partnership with Dr.Fissore, the Specialty Coffee Association, and the Chain Collaborative on research through Whittier…