Did you know that March 22ndis World Water Day? Every year, the day is used to celebrate the water that sustains us and to recognize and raise awareness for the treatment of our natural water resources.
Fill It Forward, the program that Choose, reUse & WIN! functions through, is participating in World Water Day by giving back. From March 22ndto 29th, each scan through the Fill It Forward app will “double up,” giving two cups of clean water to those in need. Every cup given helps fund meaningful projects around the world. This is increasingly important as globally, 844 million people- 1 in 9- lack access to safe water.
It is more important than ever that we recognize the urgency of improving the water quality for ourselves and for generations to come.
How can you help?
- Turn off the tap. Limit unnecessary water waste by turning off taps. This also reduces energy consumption and saves money on your water bill.
- Make sure your trash ends up in the bin. Storm drains on campus run directly into the Mississippi. This means that whatever trash makes its way into the drain will end up in the river. Be sure to pick up litter!
- Avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Most of your cleaning can be done with simple soap and water first. By using these, we limit the amount of harmful chemicals ending up in our watersheds.
- Understand the importance of water systems. Sometimes, we forget the simplicity of our access to clean water. Try to remember that there is a finite amount of clean water that needs to stay clean for generations to come.
April is Earth Month! Check out our frequently updated list of events to get involved. Check it out.
Join us Friday, March 22nd from 10-11am for a chat from sustainable aviation fuel experts!
We'll be hearing from three speakers, Pat Gruber, CEO of Gevo, Shiri Ramaswamy, professor in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at UMN, and William Northrop, professor in Mechanical Engineering at UMN.
Join the Twin Cities Sustainability Committee (TCSC)! The committee was launched in the fall of 2021 with a charge of guiding the MPact 2025 goal to “Build a fully sustainable future” as stated in the Systemwide Strategic Plan. Moving forward, the committee’s work will advise the Twin Cities Office of Sustainability on all activities, inclusive of operations, teaching, research, and outreach. This committee is open to staff, faculty, undergraduate & graduate students. Apply by 4/1.
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University of Minnesota Twin Cities has won the 2023 GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge in the Food Organics Per Capita category!
This achievement underscores our commitment to waste reduction, putting sustainability at the forefront of our athletic spaces.
The 2023-2024 Systemwide Sustainability Report for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents is now available!
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is aiming to make public buildings like hospitals and schools more resilient against future disasters by paying to install solar panels when they are rebuilt. Read more
Join us for the Climate Resilience & Adaptation Open House!
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, 3-5pm
1425 University Ave, room 175
Your opinion matters! Join the Office of Sustainability on Wednesday, February 21st from 3pm to 5pm at 1425 University Ave to review and provide insights on the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan objectives and strategies. We want to hear what you think - tell us what we missed or what resonates with you. Open house format - come and go as you please. Light refreshments provided.
Fall 2023 Sustainability Advocates from SUST3480 conducted a recent Campus Engagement Project at the University of Minnesota aimed to improve the satisfaction and sustainability of the campus transportation system (Gopher Trip). They distributed a Sustainable Transportation Survey, gathering responses from 57 students to assess current challenges and future possibilities.
Do you have input regarding the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program? Submit your feedback using this public comment form, open year-round. Learn more about the U of M stormwater program.
Research results recently published in Nature show that global forest lands could store enough carbon to soak up one-third of annual fossil fuel emissions for decades to come. But only after significant conservation, restoration, and sustainable management practices are implemented.