Sustainability Journeys: Meet Dante LoCicero

Please share a bit about yourself, what you do for work or study, and when you became interested in sustainability.

My name is Dante (he/him), I am a senior at FSU majoring in political science with a minor in urban and regional planning. I am on the executive board of Thrift Club FSU, and I am a member of the Research Intensive Bachelors Certificate undergraduate research program. I incorporate a variety of sustainable habits into my life. Since I was young I have enjoyed getting clothes at thrift stores. In more recent years I have become an advocate for public transit and other forms of sustainable mobility, and I have gone vegan!

What adjustments have you made to your sustainable lifestyle since COVID-19 has interrupted much of our daily lives?

The biggest change that I have made since quarantine started is going completely vegan. My diet was mostly plant based starting about a year ago, but this summer I decided to eliminate all animal products from my diet! Not only have I felt better and more energized, I also have really enjoyed experimenting with vegan cooking techniques. As someone who really likes to cook, this has kind of felt like learning to cook all over again and I’ve been having a really good time with it!

How has your interest in sustainability shaped your career/studies?

My interest in sustainability, specifically in sustainable mobility (public transit, walkability, and cycling) has definitely impacted my studies and what I want to do in the future. In spring of 2020, I completed research for the RIBC program on the impact that public transit accessibility had on voter turnout in the 2008 election in Sacramento, CA. The real-life impacts that sustainable mobility has on communities is something that really interests me, and I hope to use my passion for public transit to eventually work for a transit agency.

Are there any particular areas of sustainability that you are most interested in? Tell us more about those!

One area of sustainability that really interests me is sustainable mobility – specifically public transit, cycling, and walkability in cities. When cities implement and promote sustainable mobility, the effects are transformative and long-lasting. Not only does public transit decrease the amount of greenhouse gases coming from urban areas, it also (when properly implemented) fosters community, creates equity, and improves the health of residents! And think about it – would you rather battle traffic on crowded highways on your way to work, or sit back, relax, and listen to a podcast or read a book on your commute?

Any tips or tricks for people who are just beginning their sustainability journeys? 

I would definitely recommend that people give veganism a try! The factory farming industry is one of worst industries for the environment, responsible for releasing astronomical amounts of greenhouse gases, burning forests for livestock, and polluting water. By going vegan, you can make a huge difference! Not to mention vegan food is delicious – my current favorite vegan dish is my homemade margherita pizza with vegan mozzarella, homemade sauce, and fresh basil!

Choosing to make sustainable life choices can seem daunting at first, as they often require significant changes to behaviors and habits. If you choose to make an aspect of your life more sustainable, I definitely recommend looking into how other people have made it work for them. I was able to make my shift to veganism work largely in part to the great vegan communities online that offer lots of recipes, tips, tricks, and advice for new vegans. Advice from others can be helpful with other sustainable choices as well, such as tips for taking public transit, cycling, or buying secondhand!

Sustainable Campus would like to thank Dante for sharing his Sustainability Journey with us. Connect with Dante on Instagram @dantefl13. Have an interest or career in sustainability? We'd love to hear from you! Email our Communications Coordinator, Michelle Presley at mpresley2@fsu.edu with the subject line: Sustainability Journeys.