January has been an exciting month for sustainability on campus. We saw the success of our first-ever 10 Days to a Greener You campaign where students, faculty and staff were challenged to make small changes that would have a BIG environmental impact. Not only are Longhorns passionate about improving themselves in 2017, but they are also eager to find ways to improve their campus and community.
During February there will be even more opportunities to get involved in sustainability efforts – from applying for Green Fee funding to getting involved in research and advocacy. Just because the challenge is over doesn’t mean the growth stops here!
Keep living green,
Shannon Geison
P.S. Congratulations to those who completed our 10 Days to a Greener You program. Be sure to come by the Office of Sustainability to pick up your reward in SSB 1.302.
Breaking Down the Carbon Footprint
at UT Austin
The Carbon Roadshow is a Green Fee-funded project with a goal to break down and make accessible the entire greenhouse gas carbon footprint of the university. Hook ‘Em Green’s Shannon Geison sat down with Susan Sharp, the project lead, to learn more.
The LEAF program started when graduate student, Amy Combs, and her coworker had a vision to help the student staff in the Campus Environmental Center build their leadership experience while exploring meaningful careers. The program offers students unlimited opportunities to explore new ideas, share diverse experiences and ignite their passions.
SURE Walk is a Student Government agency that offers assistance for late night walks home from campus. The program now serves hundreds of students every week. It has recently received a lot of attention because of a special visit from UT alum, Matthew McConaughey.
Thanks to the Green Fee, $2.1 million has been awarded in the last five years to projects with a sustainability focus. Faculty, staff and students have participated in over 100 campus project ranging from waste reduction, water consumption and conservation to renewable energy, food production and the economic and social impacts of sustainability.
Learn to navigate the Green Fee application process. Get an overview on how to submit a strong Green Fee proposal by attending an informational workshop this month:
Thursday, February 9, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., SAC 3.116
Wednesday, February 15, 2 – 3 p.m., SAC 3.116
Saturday, February 18, 1 – 2 p.m., SAC 1.106
Thursday, February 23, 5 – 6 p.m., SAC 3.112 Any questions? Contact Jill Parrish, Green Fee coordinator
Stock up on fresh produce and other goodies. The first UT Austin Farm Stand in 2017 kicks off this month. Mark your calendar: February 23, noon -5:30 p.m., Gregory Plaza.
Experience diverse perspectives from a range of hot-button energy issues. Plan to attend UT Energy Week, the annual premier energy event on campus, from February 7 – 10. Held in UT Austin’s Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, the event is free for all university faculty, staff and students.
Share your story on completing the greener you challenge. Tell us how you made changes by participating in 10 Days to a Greener You and what impact they had on you. We want to hear from you: outreach@utenvironment.org.
The Office of Sustainability at The University of Texas at Austin collaborates to advance ideas and programs that transform the physical, social and educational environments of campus for the enduring benefit of society and the planet.
Editor Shannon Geison Designer Laura Bowman Communications Coordinator Merry Bateman
