sustainability

Mini Grants Empower Staff and Faculty to Move Sustainability Forward

Two people are chatting and smiling in their workspace breakroom. One of them is reaching for a glass bowl from a cabinet full of reusable dishware. The other is eating an apple and using a reusable mug.

At the University of Michigan, sustainability is not just about pushing changes in campus plans and infrastructure—it’s about building a culture of sustainability at every level. Recognizing that changing work culture relies significantly on faculty and staff, the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS) came up with the Staff Sustainability Mini-Grant, a funding source for supporting small-scale workplace sustainability initiatives. Bridging … 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

A Game Plan For Sustainability: Reducing Waste at the Big House

A view of Michigan Stadium

In 2016, the University of Michigan set an ambitious goal to achieve zero waste at home football games and divert 90% of game day waste from the landfill. The Zero Waste Stadium Program launched in the 2017 season as a collaboration among Athletics, the Office of Campus Sustainability, U-M Waste Management Services, campus sustainability partners, volunteers, and stadium concessions. Now … 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

The Realities of Reaching Net Zero: An Ann Arbor Story

View of Ann Arbor looking down Liberty Street toward the Michigan and State theaters.

The Mission: Last year, I had only heard brief mentions of the 2030 District. I was working with Ann Arbor Public Schools on a project through the Graham Sustainability Scholars, where another student group was working with the 2030 District. When the program presented an opportunity to intern for them, I learned the 2030 District is a nonprofit striving to … Read More

Changing the World Starts with Changing My Life: Lessons from Salmon, Black Walnut, and Song Sparrow

CLC Fellows looking at the fish pass in Traverse City

This writing departs from my usual approach. Typically, I focus on the technical aspects of my professional experiences and the broader implications. I think about changing the world and transforming disadvantaged communities. I consider how impressive my resume looks and what it means for my career—all the potential BIG things. However, in doing so, I realized I was overlooking the … Read More