Last February, I had the opportunity to help host a tote bag screen-printing event through the Plant Blue Ambassador Program, where I serve as a Communications and Outreach Intern at the University of Michigan. What began as a creative crafting session quickly became something much deeper. Surrounded by students printing their tote bags, laughing over paint mishaps, and carefully pressing … Read More
Whether it’s a hole in your jeans or an accessory that needs sprucing up, there is a lot that a needle, thread, and some concentrated effort can accomplish. Although it may be seen as “old fashioned”, mending and other fiber arts are essential in extending the use of our already limited resources and being mindful of our consumption. Mending, as … Read More
Earlier in January, the Sustainability Cultural Organizers and other Student Life Sustainability (SLSustainability) employees had the opportunity to attend Dimanche, a performance art piece about the climate apocalypse, at the UM Power Center. The piece was performed by Chaliwaté and Focus, two award-winning Belgian mime and puppetry companies, and brought to the university by the University Musical Society. It stands … Read More
“The air here always tastes like chalk.” I would joke to myself, tightening my N95 mask as I stepped into the narrow, dingy lanes of Chattarpur, where I taught my young, passionate dreamers. The distinct, metallic taste in the air of our classroom was a perpetual reminder of the environmental toll we were paying. Even with the windows sealed tight, … Read More
When I first began my journey as an intern working in sustainability programming at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, although they were happy for me, I was initially met with some confusion from my friends and loved ones. I was studying health and human services, and my interests were in social work. One of the most common questions I remember being … Read More
Carnivals have been speckled across campus over the past few years, but have you ever attended one centered on the climate crisis? Carnival Built in H&!! brings together collective learning, sustainability initiatives, food, and joy into a space that gamifies mutual aid values. Such values include building long-term community relationships, redirecting resources and services within community, and creating a network … Read More
This is not my first Michigan winter. And yet, I feel more bothered this year than others. I recently got a memory on my phone from last year where it was an abnormally warm day in February and I ran in shorts outdoors and seeing this made me long for the freedom of summer months. But unfortunately, I cannot rush … Read More
John Berger has been working as a custodian at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus for 14 years, and in that time, he’s gained a reputation for always going the extra mile when it comes to proper waste disposal— literally. In his own words, “I’ve been known to carry a banana peel all the way from the other side of the … Read More
What sparks joy and inspires you? Is it taking a deep breath in a forest, laughing with friends, or dancing to your favorite music? When we consider how to prepare for climate change, we often focus on physical infrastructure, like flood-resistant buildings or emergency shelters, but overlook the mental health impacts of climate change. By taking time to recognize joyful … Read More
Campus and Community Connected Every fall and winter term, students from around the world return to Ann Arbor, and the streets bustle with noise as students, staff, faculty, tourists, and families enjoy the downtown restaurants and businesses. Ann Arbor is known for its bike-friendly and walkable environment, with a diverse selection of businesses, restaurants, and shops to discover. From cozy … Read More
