I don’t remember how old I was when I figured out the Earth was dying (or at least that’s what it felt like). I think it may have started when the tree in the front yard of my childhood home died. What used to be this vibrant staple of my childhood slowly became nothing more than a decaying pile of … Read More
Sitting in a corner booth of the McDonald’s, I watched as two of my male classmates picked up my backpack, unzipped the side pockets, and threw 10 of my purple pads on the black and white-checkered floor. They laughed for so long and so loudly that the other customers stared, and I sat hugging my arms to my side and … Read More
I think many of us would agree that living in Ann Arbor has some major perks in terms of diverse green spaces and lively events. In celebration of ending the winter semester strong, I want to highlight a selection of natural areas and outdoor events/activities that I’m really looking forward to this spring and summer! Green Spaces in the Ann … Read More
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
As we approach the end of a busy Winter Term, it’s essential to have study spaces that will give us the energy and motivation to finish the semester strong. Here is a list of 11 nature-centered study spaces that will certainly help you feel like a blooming plant as you take up the sun and conquer your schoolwork, exams, meetings, … Read More
It’s November 25th, and you’re beaming. You don’t mean to, but you can’t help yourself. You’ve gotten over the campus flu, and you passed all of your midterms. Your travelling is over, and now you’re sitting with your loved ones for the first time in what feels like forever. Someone is tending to the dishes; someone is checking the temperature … Read More
“In some Native languages, the term for plants translates to ‘those who take care of us.’” Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants Izhi-Minoging Mashkikiwan, or “Place Where Medicines Grow Well,” is the Anishinaabemowin name of a healing garden inspired by the traditional Ojibwe Medicine Wheel. The garden belongs to the Cheboiganing Burt … Read More
As the term has become more popular and as usage has become more widespread, most people now know that sustainability is about supporting the well-being of the planet and the wildlife that inhabits Earth. What immediately comes to mind are images of polar bears on melting icebergs, burning rainforests, or sea turtles caught in plastic trash. Although these devastating wildlife … Read More
Coming back to campus in the fall amid a pandemic was scary. I will be the first to admit I was uncertain how the school year would look or if it would be as fun or rewarding as my previous semesters. One thing I knew for sure was that to get through these difficult times, I would need to stay … Read More
Hi! I’m Jordan, a UX Research Student in the School of Information and a Planet Blue Ambassador Program Assistant. I’m excited to take you along for a day in my life to show you some sustainable features of my day while working from home. These are three topics that I touch on in the video that I wanted to make … Read More
