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FINDING ANSWERS TOGETHER
The four levels of racism are internal, interpersonal, systemic, and cultural. Laws and policies make up an interlocking set of parts at the systemic level. UVM facilitators discuss ways to identify and challenge systemic racism. Watch the teach-in and save the date for the next one on June 24th.
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WHAT HOLLY IS DOING
This May marked Vermont’s 50th Green Up Day. Holly Pedrini (left), Davis Center Office Manager, picked up litter with neighbors in the Old North End. She reminds us that there doesn’t have to be a designated day for this, litter can and should be picked up when it’s noticed!
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 Transportation planners want to know about
the effect COVID-19 has on your commute choice
when you return to work. Complete this quick survey and be entered into a raffle to win a $100 Amazon gift card! |
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PLANT FOR THE PEOPLE
Plant for the People is a challenge to collect 100,000 lbs of fresh local produce for Feeding Chittenden this summer. It encourages home gardeners to plant extra in the garden and donate it to help strengthen local food systems, enhance community resilience, help neighbors, and spend more time outdoors enjoying all the physical and mental benefits of gardening.
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COVID-19 RAPID RESEARCH FUND
The Gund Institute for Environment recently announced six research projects supported by the Gund COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund. From an analysis of risks facing global refugees to an investigation of how environmental beliefs influence infection rates, these projects target the social and ecological impacts or drivers of the coronavirus pandemic. Read the full story here.
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ENERGY MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES PAY OFF
The Central Heating and Cooling Plant's annual shutdown was from 5/29-6/9, timed for when heating and cooling demand is minimal. The preventive maintenance and inspections done during this time help avoid unexpected interruption and costly repairs. Upgrades to campus heating and cooling systems have resulted in a 28% drop in fuel use per sf of building space since 2007.
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PPD ROCKS "HEAVY METAL" RECYCLING
With nearly all campus buildings empty of people and activity, the Physical Plant Department (PPD) was able to undertake more thorough maintenance and do extra "spring cleaning." The metal valves, pipes and equipment that were removed, replaced and recycled weighed 18,220 pounds (9.11 tons) and filled two large, roll-off dumpsters!
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ASK SPROUT 🌱
What do equity, justice and inclusivity have to do with sustainability?
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Sustainability is often equated with environmental responsibility, when the meaning is actually much broader. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals serve as the international standard for sustainability. Their website states, “We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.” Most of the 17 goals are focused primarily on societal health, covering three broad aspects of life that need to be addressed simultaneously for humans to prosper sustainably on Earth: people and communities, environment, and economic systems. UVM's Sustainability General Education Requirement is based on the UN definition.
Here are more resources about connections between sustainability, justice, and inclusivity:
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