I’m really excited to start this year with a new dedication to more focused personal goals and growth. In fact, I am renewing my commitment to contribute to a culture of sustainability on the Forty Acres. I am going to do this by evaluating my habits and thinking of ways I can adjust my behavior to be a better steward of the environment.
Will you join me? This semester we are launching a fun and inspiring program called 10 Days to a Greener You. It’s designed to help you think about the best ways that you can personally make 2017 a greener and more sustainable year. Our program takes place from January 23 to February 3. I’ve included more details in this issue of the newsletter.
Here’s to a greener you,
Shannon Geison, Editor
New Green Fee Coordinator
Prepares for 2017
The Green Fee is a student fee that was established to support campus sustainability initiatives at The University of Texas at Austin. Jill Parrish, the new Green Fee coordinator, tells us about upcoming plans for the program and even how students can apply to fund their own organization.
Longhorn Bees Do Their Part to Keep the Forty Acres Alive
Just two years ago, a few students with a shared passion for beekeeping came together to create what is known today as the Beevo Beekeeping Society. The organization has been incredibly successful, selling 30 pounds of honey after its very first harvest. Seton Ulhorn, one of the founders, talks about the future of the group and how they are only just getting started.
UT Austin has conserved 764 million gallons of water since 2009. That's enough to fill Gregory Pool 3,703 times! The university is committed to water conservation in three main areas: landscape/irrigation, building domestic usage and water recovery from buildings.
New Living Learning Community to Focus on Sustainability
Thirty lucky UT Austin students will have the privilege of being the first group of residents in the new Sustainability Living Learning Community this fall. The participating students from the Class of 2021 will be immersed in sustainability through an extensive program that introduces subject topics from zero waste to social equity.
This January the Office of Sustainability and the Campus Environmental Center will be kicking off 10 Days to a Greener You. It runs from January 23 to February 3.
Each day participants will be challenged to take one small step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. It includes actions such as going meatless for a day to using an alternative mode of transportation to get to work or school. Each day will give you the opportunity to challenge yourself and learn more about sustainability efforts. The goal is for hundreds of students, faculty and staff to come together to start building a culture of sustainability on campus while challenging themselves to make improvements in their own daily lives.
Once you sign up for the challenge, you will be emailed all the information you need to fully participate. You are encouraged to take photos of your progress during the 10 days and share them with us through social media.
Get ready. Commit to the 10 days. Be a part of the impact. Sign up today!
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
