University of Wisconsin–Madison
In the months leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22, 2020), the planet saw the arrival of COVID-19, which has since put profound pressure on public health, the global economy, and daily life. UW–Madison, of course, has responded: as the potential impact of the virus made itself clear, campus leadership decided …
In recent months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday life across the globe—and, of course, on the UW–Madison campus. Alongside the new norms of social distancing, face masks, and supply shortages, countless events have been canceled or postponed. Thanks to internet technology, resourceful interns, and a tweaked schedule, however, the Office of Sustainability is delighted …
In our In Case You Missed It series (also known as ICYMI), student interns from the Office of Sustainability offer reflective reports on sustainability-related events and lectures at UW–Madison. The following entry is by Marina Steiner. Living in Madison, Wisconsin means there is ample opportunity to attend lectures, workshops, and learn from the dedicated experts …
Norma Behrend-Martinez is a sophomore double majoring in Journalism and Environmental Studies. Brought up on Gene Roddenberry, Norma values differences in ideas and hopes to spread discussion on issues as an environmental journalist. She began interning at the Office of Sustainability in the summer of 2019 as part of the Communications and Green Office teams. …
Interns Catie McDonald and Riley Collins collaborated with students, staff, and faculty at Texas Woman’s University to help make the 2020 Sci-Southwest Regional Symposium a zero-waste event, which means 90% or more waste was diverted from the landfill. Read the full story here.
In June 2020, the Office of Sustainability (OS) undergraduate intern program will welcome its newest cohort of undergraduate student employees. Alongside several veteran interns who are returning for a second year, the new interns will spend the next 10 weeks in a “crash course” on sustainability. From visiting the Charter Street Heating & Cooling plant …
Brushfires across Australia have ravaged the country, causing scores of human deaths and potentially killing hundreds of millions of animals. Climate change has been named as a contributor to the severity of the fires; 2019 was, in fact, the hottest year on record for Australia. PBS, among many other organizations, has assembled a helpful list …
Around 60-100 students gathered on Library Mall on December 6, 2019 to advocate for clean, renewable energy on the UW–Madison campus. The protest, which lasted for nearly two hours, was organized by various student-run organizations including Campus Leaders for Energy Action Now (CLEAN), the Sunrise Movement, NextGen, and a newly created UW System student coalition …
In late October, staff and student interns from the Office of Sustainability traveled to Spokane, WA for the 2019 AASHE Conference. AASHE, which stands for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, aims to “inspire and catalyze higher education to lead the global sustainability transformation.” The organization offers sustainability resources and toolkits, …
Norma Behrend-Martinez is a sophomore double majoring in Journalism and Environmental Studies. Brought up on Gene Roddenberry, Norma values differences in ideas and hopes to spread discussion on issues as an environmental journalist. She began interning at the Office of Sustainability in the summer of 2019 as part of the Communications and Green Office teams. …