Introduction

I am currently a 5th year senior finishing up my degree in Architecture with a minor in Sociology.  I have been involved in creating Recycle Week and the Trash Bash event at OU, as well as setting up a recycling and reuse program at the firm I work for during the summer.  Over this semester and the coming summer, I hope to begin an outside internship with the Oklahoma City planning commission  so I can push LEED design standards and sustainable business practices to become part of the City's standards for future development and new businesses.  I have devoted time during the last few semesters of architecture to researching sustainable materials and other ways that offices are incorporating 'green' practices within their companies.

When reading my blog, you may pick up on sarcasm and pessimism.  I am neither by nature, as I am a very optimistic person.  When it comes to discussing sustainable business practices and sustainability in general, I cary a sarcastic and pessimistic attitude.  I am optimistic that eventually people will begin to see the dire need to address these issues.  However, most people are informed of the effects of recycling, water conservation, etc. yet are slow to take action or do not act at all.  Before the semester started, I thought of myself as a Hopeful Pessimist, and I believe at the end of the semester, I will carry the same attitude.

Hopefully I can bring an interesting perspective to the discussion and entertain and enlighten at the same time.  I look forward to the debate!

_T.Newcomb