For Maria Rafac, sustainability isn’t just the latest trend, it’s a way of life.
The Joliet Junior College architecture professor always is looking for ways — whether it’s upcycling markers on campus, teaching smarter building design or using cloth napkins at home — to help the environment.
“We happen to need fresh air, clean water and healthy soil,” she said. “Our survival is hinged on the environment and how we’re going to treat it.”
Earlier this year, Rafac was given the Will County Land Use Department’s 2016 Amicus Terrae — Friends of the Land Award for her efforts. The award, created in 2009, recognizes individuals whose efforts to protect the environment go “above and beyond.”
County officials pointed to Rafac’s efforts on campus to increase recycling, improve energy efficiency and enhance awareness of environmental issues. Rafac also is JJC’s first sustainability coordinator and teaches an Introduction to Sustainability course at JJC that focuses on various environmental issues including climate, water, green living, alternative energy, sustainable buildings and careers in the sustainability field. In addition, Rafac is working with others at the University of St. Francis in Joliet and Lewis University in Romeoville to create a group to promote sustainability across the region.
“Professor Rafac is committed to preserving, protecting and defending the health, harmony and integrity of our community,” Land Use Department Director Curt Paddock said in a news release. “This is the true impetus of this award and Professor Rafac is an excellent example of commitment to these ideals.”
For Rafac, focusing on eco-friendly practices has been a way of life. Her family has gone almost completely paper-free and has made choices such as opting for cloth napkins and rags over paper towels and napkins. They practice water conservation by doing things like turning off the water when brushing their teeth. It’s also not unusual to find them picking up garbage when they go on family walks or working in their extensive garden.
No effort is too small, she said. Her theme this year is “What can you do?”
At JJC, Rafac tries to get students to see their role in protecting the environment. She worked with students to help keep more than 300 pounds of used pens and markers out of landfills by upcycling them. She is currently working with students to collect 400 pounds of bottle caps that can be melted down and turned into a bench. Rafac also regularly gives tours of the college’s various “green” buildings.
In October, JJC participated in Campus Sustainability month and America Recycles Day. The campus hosted activities to show students what they can recycle and why they should recycle. Rafac noted that the campus recycles everything from motor oil to paper.
“We are making a difference and showing people we can do all this,” she said.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
