One doesn’t have to be rich or famous to make a difference.

One Missouri Southern graduate is doing his part to advance the causes of economy and environment.

Rob Wood graduated from Southern in December 2000 under the general studies degree program. He was also in the first class to complete the ecolonomics certificate program.

Ecolonomics is a term coined by Southern alumnus Dennis Weaver, a term that attempts to resolve a healthy environment with a healthy economy.

Dr. Tom Simpson, associate professor of political science, is one of the instructors who leads the capstone course for the 13-hour certificate program. He said it was like a light went on for Wood.

“It literally changed his outlook on life,” Simpson said.

Wood was more colorful in his assessment.

“I would have to say it was more like a bolt of lightning,” Wood said. “I knew that I wanted to be in a position where I could change things.”

Dr. John Messick, dean of the school of arts and sciences, was involved in the formation and adoption of the program.

He said the ideas of ecolonomics are used to help structure industry, manufacturing and retailing so it is economically beneficial for this to happen.

“I believe the time has come that we need to consider reducing waste and think seriously about total recycling of items that are now disposable, from pop bottles to computers,” Messick said.

Wood said the ideas of ecolonomics, of the sustainability of development, are important to everybody.

“The concepts of sustainability will replace current ideas of consumerism,” Wood said. “We are a nation of consumers, because we’ve had so much for so long. It doesn’t matter if you’re an environmentalist or not; it’s about having the natural resources to support the things to consume.”

Wood is employed by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma as a water quality officer. He said his work for the tribe is funded by grant money under the Clean Water Act of 1972.

Wood said his job is to collect data about pollutant levels in the watershed above Grand Lake of the Cherokees, including Spring River and many streams.

He said the idea is to gain a working knowledge of the pollutant levels so policies can be set forth to have positive environmental and economic impacts.

Wood and fellow Southern graduate Anna Wyman have formed a non-profit company called Sustainable Ideas, Inc. Wood said the company is seeking ways for the ideas of ecolonomics to be implemented locally.

Wood and Wyman recently spoke to the Joplin Homebuilders’ Association about incorporating the principles of sustainability into the building of a home. Wood said these kind of homes may cost more up front, but that the cost and impact of the home would be much less over time.

“Unless you like throwing money away, these ideas are important,” he said.

Wood is adamant about the importance of the program to Southern.

“Ecolonomics has the potential to be the biggest thing to hit this College, ever,” he said. “Companies are looking for people who can come in with these ideas. It can be a huge force for this College – because it really is the future.”