That means it’s time to get ready for a brand new school year! And, because many of us are returning to campus for the first time in a while, we have a big opportunity to think about how our everyday habits can be even more sustainable.
For this reason, in addition to our usual monthly updates, we’ve included in this email the information we are sending to all new students to get them oriented to Planet Blue. Though you’ve likely seen some of these resources before, we think that you’ll find some of them new and interesting and others a helpful reminder.
AMBASSADOR UPDATES
On Sunday August 29 from 5:30 - 9:30pm, we are in need of zero waste volunteers to help during the Convocation Picnic. This is a FANTASTIC opportunity for us to introduce new students to our sustainability ethic on campus by helping them learn the composting and recycling rules as they dispose of their waste from the event. With 8,500 anticipated attendees, we need all hands on deck! Please sign up here. Volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt, gloves, and all necessary instructions when they arrive.
Have a colleague, classmate, or friend who keeps saying they are interested in learning more about sustainability on campus? Let them know we’ll be hosting an in-person PBA training session as a part of Earthfest this year! The training will take place on Thursday September 23, from 5 - 6 pm. Encourage your networks to sign up here.
Commuter Challenge
As staff and faculty across campus return to the office for the Fall semester, the getDowntown Program is bringing back their Commuter Challenge! The timing for this couldn’t be better as many people are navigating new flex and hybrid work schedules and looking to establish more sustainable commuting habits.
Student Jobs at MBGNA
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is now hiring work-study students for paid positions! To see the current openings, please visit the U-M Student Employment website and filter your search to show Work-Study positions for Botanical Gardens and Arboretum.
WELCOME MESSAGE TO NEW STUDENTS
Welcome to Michigan—Welcome to Planet Blue!
SUS·TAIN·A·BIL·I·TY : A mindset and framework for ensuring that current and future generations have equitable access to the resources for a full and vibrant life without the exploitation of people, society or the environment.
Planet Blue is what we call the University of Michigan’s commitment to sustainability. It’s everyone’s responsibility. High-level, institutional change is crucial, and so too is giving individuals the agency and resources to make their own significant contributions. We all have to help each other and our community responsibly care for our future.
To that end, U-M has made a comprehensive commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, which includes an array of new actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster sustainability university-wide. In addition, U-M made a change in its investment strategies to exclude the worst carbon polluters.
As a new member of the U-M community, you might be wondering about your role in Planet Blue. Planet Blue begins with you! From Day #1, you can help foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Here are some ways to get started:
Finding ways to get involved at a large university like U-M can be a daunting task. We hope these suggestions help! You can also visit Planet Blue Campus.
In addition, for more information on specific aspects of sustainability at U-M, feel free to email the folks listed below.
