Food

Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund: a Meaningful Outlet for Experiential Learning and Change Making

Image of the current farm stand set up with an arrow pointing towards the new design for the mobile farm stand

Since 2019, in addition to running the Planet Blue Ambassador program, I have had the opportunity, challenge, and joy of co-advising the Student Sustainability Coalition (SSC). For those of you less familiar with the multitude of sustainability programs at the University of Michigan, SSC is a group of undergraduate and graduate students who aim to amplify the student voice on … Read More

Tricky Greenwashing Terminology To Watch For

“Sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” “green,” “better for the planet,” “biodegradable”—these are all words I know we have heard companies use. With this new era of consumers wanting to buy more eco-friendly products (people like us), many companies are shifting their focus to sustainability. However, in many cases, this can lead to stretched truths and even blatant lies in advertising. I know us … Read More

7 More Tips for Saving Money with Sustainable Behaviors

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Are you looking for more environmentally friendly actions to incorporate into your routines? These sustainable actions may take a bit more effort than those listed in Part One, based on our personal experiences, but they won’t be as much of an investment as buying an electric car or switching out your water heater, for example! Here is a list of … 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

Sustainability Tips for Incoming Students

New school year, new tips! We’ve refreshed the information below for the 2022-2023 school year. Welcome Wolverines! This month, thousands of new students, both undergraduate and graduate, will be preparing to start their first semester at the University of Michigan. Picking classes, completing required orientation materials, figuring out financial aid and housing, moving, meeting new classmates – it’s a lot … 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

Spring Into an Ann Arbor Summer

It’s finally spring! After bearing through the brutality that is a Michigan winter, I think everyone deserves congratulations and a green, sunny day. The weather (although inconsistent) is starting to feel warm and refreshing, but final exam season might be bringing back feelings of bitter cold, so practicing self-care and resilience are more important than ever!  To help you in … 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

Vegetarian Recipes From Around the World

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Food can really be quite magical. Throughout our lives, we might have memories of making a specific dish with a close family member, growing certain ingredients ourselves, sharing a home cooked meal with friends, or learning special recipes that have been passed down through generations. Food is something that can be cherished, enjoyed, and shared with those we love! We … Read More

4 Cool Farms in the Ann Arbor Area!

Artwork featuring a tractor

Did you know that Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the United States?  I grew up in a very small, very rural town, which is full of cows, fields, and farms. I was also super involved in FFA, which is a leadership organization that promotes agricultural education. I especially loved learning about current issues in agriculture, such … Read More