"Monarch caterpillars eating native milkweed at the UAB Solar House. These caterpillars were put on milkweed surrounding the Solar House to help the Monarch butterfly population. This photo is important becuase it shows that if we want to support our native species we need to plant native host plants. The UAB Solar House has native plants in abundance to show the public that if you plant natives then the native species will come!" Taken by Emily Colpack. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"In the summer of 2023, wildfires stained the blue skies pink in Ontario. People were told to limit outdoor time due to air quality yet wildlife did not have any other choice. This photo depicts the reality that while humans ruin the planet with fossil fuels, birds such as this cardinal prevail and must carry on." Taken by Isabel Savransky. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"A bunch of friends posing in nature next to a natural giant ice waterfall. Sustainability to me means, not just enjoying time outdoors with friends and learning about nature/sustainability together, but it’s also a super rewarding feeling to 'take nothing but memories and pictures and leave only footprints.'" Taken by Drew Owens. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"Hiking in Banff, Canada when this picture was taken! What a beautiful national park! This image makes me reflect on how magnificent the earth truly is." Taken by Mia Strolia. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"Mother giraffe walking through rhino sanctuary in Laikipia, Kenya". Taken by Kayla Geller. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"On top of a Sustainable World: this photo shows the view from the top of Volcan de Pacaya just outside of Antigua, Guatemala. In the background a set of windmills can be seen and just at the foot of the volcano is an eco-turism hub that uses hydroponics to grow produce in the volcanic soil. I paused when taking this photo to pause and think about what a sustainable built environment could look like with windmills replacing non-sustainable power plants, agriculture and local food production becoming a norm, living locally with access to public transportation, and equal access to opportunities." Taken by Mikayla Carey. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.
"Reflections of our impact on the built environment: This photo of a main canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands held deeper correlation to the meaning of sustainability to me since it demonstrates how the state of the natural environment is a reflection of the built environment and what measures we take to mitigate climate change and environmental degradation. Sustainability to me is deeply related to the intersection of the built environment and nature and how we can create an evolving world while maintaining the earth for future generations." Taken by Mikayla Carey. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.
"'Force of Nature' - the picture was taken when my family and I went to walk on one of the trails in Knights Ferry. When I came across this tree, it reminded me of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in the most challenging conditions. I say all this because even with the most challenging conditions this tree still recovered, found an innovative way to adapt in its environmental challenge, and found interconnectedness in its ecosystem." Taken by Mitzi G Osorio. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"This is a photo of the sunset taken at a campsite in Dolly Sods, West Virginia, during a backpacking trip. Backpacking has taught me so much about sustainability and respect for the environment, and it is a meaningful way to take a step back from daily routine and stress and just be immersed in the beauty of nature." Taken by Georgia McLachlan. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"A reusable water bottle, covered with natural imagery stickers, is placed on a picnic table outside on a college campus. The water bottle and the natural background reflect how sustainable practices emphasize doing what you can to preserve and connect with the natural world around you." Taken by Julia Dellapena. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"Growing starters with the whole family builds appreciation for the growing process and how our food comes to be. I especially love that the labels were drawn by my 10yo daughter." Taken by Kimberly Winslow. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.
"Marinara jars filled with dirt being used to start and herb garden. This reuses the glass jars, and the grown herbs can be used in cooking." Taken by Hannah Herrmann. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
"Entangled Tomato: Demonstrating adaptation, growth, and commitment to sustainable food systems amidst the obstacles of an urban environment." Taken by Prabhjot Singh. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.