How did you first become interested in sustainability and when did you decide to submit an entry for the sustainability grant?
I have always been interested in sustainability.  I grew up near the water, where I had the opportunity to participate in beach clean ups/conservation efforts and to learn about the consequences of water pollution.  I also was raised in a family that promoted recycling, reusing and up-cycling of materials.  So, it is basically in my DNA! I decided to submit an entry for the sustainability grant because I had seen past projects on Harvard's sustainability website, all of which seemed progressive and relevant. 
 
How did you decide the focus of your project and the method you were going to use to accomplish it?
As a Harvard student athlete, during my freshman year, I was always curious about what happened to leftover gear/equipment at the end of the season.  Was it simply discarded?  In general, I feel that Harvard is a pretty sustainable campus, but I was intrigued to see how athletics fared from a sustainability perspective, and in what ways I could improve recycling efforts.  And so, this is where I began. 
 
What was the application process like?
The application process was pretty straightforward.  I had to "sell my pitch," if you will, regarding my initiative, and suggest ways that I could accomplish it.  The hardest aspects for me were formulating a budget for what items I may need, and also, not being on campus where I would be able to ascertain what sustainable systems various teams had in place.
 
Since being awarded the grant, what action items have you taken or what have you learned in your work so far?
Though the pandemic has opened time for projects like these, covid limitations have been challenging.  As I briefly mentioned before, as a cohort not on campus and with athletics interrupted, I have had to be creative about getting information.  Some teams are already doing a remarkable job with sustainable efforts, which I was pleasantly surprised by, but there is definitely room for improvement. 
 
What are your future goals for the project, for yourself and beyond?
My goal for this project is simply to raise awareness, and if possible, to put new systems/measures in place.  We should incorporate a bit of sustainability thinking into our everyday life at Harvard and beyond.