Campus Sustainability

Visiting the Ann Arbor WeCare Compost Site

I recently had the opportunity to tag along with Nicole Berg, a program manager with the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS), on one of her routine compost site contamination checks. During this check, we were able to visit the WeCare compost site where all of the compost from the university (and the city of Ann Arbor!) is disposed. To be … Read More

Planet Blue Student Leaders: Fall 2022 Recap!

blog pod members!

At the close of 2022, our Planet Blue Student Leader (PBSL) team wanted to reflect back on what we have accomplished this past Fall semester and start getting excited for what lies ahead in 2023.  If you aren’t familiar with Planet Blue Student Leaders already, we are a group of peer educators here on campus who work to promote sustainability … Read More

Highlights from Flint Sustainability Week

Dr. Verissimo presenting his talk at Flint Sustainability Week.

Last week was Flint Sustainability Week. It was the first big sustainability event on the Flint campus, and I am sure, having been able to attend part of it myself, that it will not be the last! I didn’t get to attend all of the different events throughout the week because I’m based on our Ann Arbor campus, but I … Read More

Summer Intern Spotlights: Part 2

Wondering what students from across campus did this summer to advance sustainability efforts at U-M and beyond? Check out Part 2 of our Summer Internship Spotlights below featuring the work of 6 students in support of our collective mission to transition to a more just and sustainable future. Here’s Part 1, if you missed it! Name: Pradip Shrestha Year/major at … Read More

Summer Intern Spotlights: Part 1

Madison and Emily volunteer at the zero-waste Convocation Picnic.

Wondering what students from across campus did this summer to advance sustainability efforts at U-M and beyond? Check out Part 1 of our Summer Internship Spotlights below featuring the work of 6 students in support of our collective mission to transition to a more just and sustainable future. Name: Kenzie Nitz Year/major at U-M: Senior / Organizational Studies (M) & … Read More

The Essential College Packing List: What You Actually Need to Bring

The time to start thinking about what to pack for college is here! Whether you are a new student or returning, knowing the absolute essentials of what to bring can be a godsend. It can be easy to buy items “just in case” for the school year, trying to imagine something you will presumably need in every situation. However, I’ve … Read More

Stormwater Management on Campus: What I Learned from U-M Stormwater Specialist Dana Wilkinson

A large stormwater infiltration system being installed underground.

As the effects of climate change continue to increase in frequency, all organizations must undertake mitigation measures in order to sufficiently prepare for what lies ahead. The Environmental Protection and Permitting group within the U-M Environment, Health, & Safety (EHS) Department is responsible for managing U-M’s state-issued stormwater discharge permit and for helping to prepare our campus for future extreme … Read More

Go Blue While Going Green: Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund Aids Sustainability Projects

refurbished bike repair station

The University of Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition (SSC) has awarded four new grants through the Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund (PBSIF) to support large-scale, student-led projects that increase sustainability on the Ann Arbor campus.  Born out of a collaboration between students and administrators in 2011, the PBSIF grants advance progress towards a more sustainable and just campus while inspiring students … Read More

Talking Tiny, but Thinking Big

This past Saturday, April 2nd was Rooting For Change: Student Food Summit, the second annual culminating event of the U-M Sustainable Food Program’s (UMSFP) work towards a more just and sustainable food system on campus. One element of Rooting For Change that sets it apart is that community ownership is at the core of the day’s activities. Student-led learnshops are … Read More