University of Wisconsin–Madison
Carolyn Hamburg is a senior studying Political Science and Environmental Studies with a certificate in Educational Policy Studies. Carolyn is passionate about all aspects of sustainability, but particularly the intersection between people and the environment. In the future, she hopes to work with sustainable business consulting, public transportation, or environmental justice (but preferably a combination …
Many students—and some faculty and staff—leave campus during winter break, so our interns have come up with a list of ideas for how to prepare yourself for a sustainable and meaningful time away. Below, Maddie Clarke and Hannah Kasun offer a range of tips covering cooking, energy savings, travel, and more. Gifting Reuse gift wrap, …
When you think of sustainability, what actions come quickly to mind? The definition of sustainability has expanded significantly in recent years, so that its well-worn associations—waste management and conservation, most prominently—are now complemented by a host of additional subjects. Equity, environmental justice, carbon neutrality, climate change, resilience, even straws: the list is long and …
The Greek community is a prominent feature of the UW–Madison campus. Over 4,000 students belong to the dozens of fraternity and sorority organizations, and many more participate in Greek life social events. These same events, however, are notorious for producing a lot of waste, particularly the ubiquitous SOLO cups and aluminum cans (formerly filled, no …
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 Hannah Kasun. Dan Egan: 2018 Go Big Read Lecture Journalist Dan Egan has worked for over a decade to cover the …
In October, staff and students from the Office of Sustainability joined University Housing sustainability coordinator Breana Nehls and a large contingent from sustainability programs at several UW System schools to attend the 2018 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference in Pittsburgh, PA. AASHE, which was established in 2005, bills itself …
On a chilly, windy afternoon in late September, a total of 28 student orgs, campus offices and units, and community partners set up tables in a grand circle on Gordon lawn to share their respective approaches to sustainability. Organized by University Housing, Sustain-a-Bash’s purpose is to inform, inspire, provide resources, and cultivate a sustainability …
“The University of Wisconsin–Madison will be a living model for sustainability, exemplifying values and actions that demonstrate our commitment to stewardship of resources, respect for place and the health and well-being of the broader community, now and for the future.” UW–Madison Sustainability Initiative Task Force Final Report (2010) Of the guiding lights for sustainability at …
Reusable water bottles are more and more visible on the UW–Madison campus. They peek out from backpacks and balance on Terrace tables. They bear scrapes, scuffs, and stickers from all over the world. And with the proliferation of upgraded water fountains in university buildings, it’s easier than ever to refill one’s bottle with cold, filtered …
Katie Piel is a rising senior studying environmental studies and communication arts with a certificate in business. She began her internship for the Office of Sustainability in January 2018 as part of the Green Office team, which trains offices around campus in sustainable practices. She believes in the power of individual action in the fight …