Community

No More Dinner as Usual

Photo of a character from the U-M production "Dimanche", a performance about the climate apocalypse.

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

Climate Justice, Careers, and Collective Action

Photo of the "Climate Justice & Careers" event, showcasing the audience members seated at round tables. They all face the front of the room, where the moderator and panelists sit.

“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

Shifting Our Focus from the Individual to the Collective: Sustainable Well-being & Environmental Wellness

A Venn diagram with “Sustainability” on the left and “Wellbeing” on the left. It illustrates the concept of sustainable well-being.

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

Cultural Organizing as Creative Prototyping: Responding to the Climate Crisis

Attendees are interacting with the Noon at Night Mutual Aid Simulator, the game station portion of a carnival event focused on the climate crisis.

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

Going the Extra Mile

John stands inside a large dumpster

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

Finding Resilience Rooted in Joy

People walk by tables at HarvestFest

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

Sustainability Beyond the Diag: Support Sustainable Businesses

A view of tables outside in downtown Ann Arbor

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

Nature Rx – How Nature Can Make You a Healthier, Happier You!

Tree in the ross courtyard in winter

Nervous for Winter? We all live in Michigan and as we all know, Michigan winters can be cold and long! With less sunlight and less green, we miss the freedom of summer and warmer weather. But did you know that nature, something we see everyday as we commute to campus, can help you through these winter months? Research done here … Read More

Wolverines on Wheels Bike Quiz!

A diverse group of students stands with a bike

Welcome (back) to campus, Wolverines! A new semester makes it a great time to try new habits that are healthy for both you and the planet! Biking is a perfect place to start and a wonderful way to explore low-emission recreation and transportation. The University of Michigan and Ann Arbor community is home to many new bike lanes, resources, and … Read More