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.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities' new Climate Action Plan (CAP) looks toward the future of sustainability on campus. The U of M has already cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 51%, No. 2 in the Big Ten for carbon cuts.
Learn more about how the U of M is creating a sustainable campus and future!
A new sustainability club on the Twin Cities campus, UMN Seedlings, collaborated with M Food Co. to put on a sustainable lunch event this past April. Using HowGood, a food sustainability database, UMN Seedlings were able to create an environmentally friendly meal plan aimed to raise environmental awareness in the campus community. Learn more
by Ella Chilson
University of Minnesota undergraduate and graduate student individuals and groups recently received Systemwide Sustainability Student Impact Awards during April’s Sustainability Symposium for their efforts leading the way toward a future in which people and the environment prosper together. Learn more
For the second year in a row, the University of Minnesota (U of M) participated in the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings (THE Impact Rankings), which in 2023 ranked submissions for 1,591 institutions from 112 countries/regions. The U of M ranked eighth in the U.S. for the overall ranking and in the 101-200 range worldwide.
The U of M is a founding member of the Minnesota Cleantech Consortium, announced today at the Minnesota Cleantech Innovation Day. Learn more
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has earned a STARS® Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Learn more
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Climate Action Plan will be presented as part of the MPact 2025 Sustainability update to the Board of Regents on Thursday, May 11th during the Board's Finance and Operations Committee meeting! Show your support for the Climate Action Plan! Learn more:
If you are anything like me, Molly Vagle, and love to buy a bunch of fresh produce and vegetables to have on hand in your home for meals or snacks- then you know the struggle of trying to use all your produce before it goes bad. Food waste is a big environmental issue that has implications on the planet and greenhouse gas emissions. Storing vegetables correctly is the first step in making sure the produce is good for use and does not end up in the trash! Learn more:
It’s just about move-out time! Need to move or downsize and don't know what to do with your stuff? Donate items to the Pack and Give Back program! Store your stuff with the Student Summer Storage program! Learn more:
Apply today for the Student Sustainability Communications Assistant position! Learn more