Blog

What is Climate Resilience?

Climate Resiliency in its simplest form is adapting to climate change. This is such a vague definition, though, that I think bringing this term closer to home helps me, at least, think about what climate resilience can look like. Michigan, a place that a lot of us Wolverines call home and know well, specializes in variable temperatures and weather conditions. … Read More

Green Computing for a Reduced Carbon Footprint

There are so many ways we can try to reduce our carbon footprint, and many of them often seem overwhelming and unattainable, such as driving less when living in a community that relies on private transportation. However, one of the easiest and least commonly thought of ways to reduce your footprint is practicing digital sustainability and green computing. “Digital sustainability … Read More

Dorm Move-Out Tips from the Planet Blue Student Leaders

This time of year, U-M students across campus are busy with final papers, exams, and team projects that are due before the end of the school year. They are wrapping up their academic endeavors for the semester, and are focused on representing what they have learned through their courses to the best of their abilities. One thing that tends to … Read More

Charting Our Impact: Planet Blue Ambassadors by School and College

As the manger of the Planet Blue Ambassador program, I always get excited when I see growth in the number of Planet Blue Ambassadors across campus each year—across all three U-M campuses. Back when I started in this role in 2018, I remember the student interns who I was supervising at the time being really excited that we had just … Read More

Sustainability Throughout History: Learning from the Past

Recently, I went to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology to complete their “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” self-guided tour. The Kelsey is a short walk down State Street, just past the Union, and is a great place to explore on a dreary winter day. Taking the tour was relatively easy, as admission to the museum is free and the tour pamphlets are … Read More

Another Step Toward Planetary Health: Single Use Bottled Water Plastics To Be Replaced

Key takeaways: U-M Health’s commitment to environmentally friendly operations and a series of agreements with vendors are leading to a major sustainability improvement: the replacement of single-use plastic water bottles. On Feb. 12, water sold at U-M Health will be in new containers. No longer will plastic bottles be used, but in their place will be aluminum bottles and boxed … Read More

What is carbon capture?

I find our planet to be entrancingly beautiful and inspiring. Steeped within the natural world as I was growing up, even while still young, I noticed changes each time that I passed a birthday. Why are there fewer dragonflies than I am used to seeing? Why is it 60 degrees on Christmas day? It really bothered me. A 96 year old grandmother, … Read More

New Planet Blue Ads Use Art to Enhance Campus Sustainability 

20th century artist inspired graphics featuring bright colors and sustainability themes.

As we go about our days on campus, we’re used to being surrounded by ads for everything from housing options to political campaigns. But next time you’re riding any of the campus buses, you might notice a brand new set of exciting ads enticing the community to get more involved in sustainability.  Graham Multimedia Designer Fatimah Bolhassan drew inspiration from … Read More

Taking Sustainability On The Road: Tips For More Sustainable Travel

Since most of us have completely stopped and restarted traveling at some point within the past four years of pandemic and recovery, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how and why I travel as well as how I can ensure that my travel has the lowest impact possible on the environment. A question sustainability professionals are increasingly asked … Read More